CDC Criteria For Diagnosing CFS

The current criteria for CFS is as follows:

Clinically evaluated, unexplained, persistent, or relapsing fatigue that is:

• Of new or definite onset
• Not a result of ongoing exertion
• Not alleviated by rest
• Results in a substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, social, or personal activity

Four or more of the following symptoms that persist or recur during 6 or more consecutive months of illness & that do not predate the fatigue:

• Self-reported impairment of short-term memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Tender lymph nodes
• Muscle pain
• Multi-joint pain without swelling or redness
• Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
• Unrefreshing and/or interrupted sleep
• Post-exertion malaise (this is a feeling of general discomfort or uneasiness) lasting more than 24 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active, unresolved or suspected disease that is likely to cause fatigue
• Psychotic, melancholic, or bipolar depression (but not uncomplicated major depression)
• Psychotic disorders
• Dementia
• Anorexia or bulimia nervosa
• Alcohol or other substance misuse
• Severe obesity

Additional symptoms that are not listed with the official diagnostic CDC criteria:

• Pain
• Allergies
• Chemical sensitivities
• Secondary infections, including Candida and viral infections
• Cognitive impairment, including short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating and doing word searches and math problems
• Digestive disturbances, such as chronic constipation or diarrhea, usually alternating
• Night sweats or spontaneous daytime sweats, unaccompanied by fever
• Weakness, muscle fatigue, and pain
• PMS that worsens
• Sleep disorders, including excessive sleep (hypersomnia), light sleep, or an inability to sleep for more than an hour
• A period of 1 – 3 hours after awakening during which sufferers are too exhausted to get out of bed
• Cystitis, particularly Interstitial Cystitis in which urine cultures are negative
• Vision and eye problems including sensitivity to light, dry eyes, tunnel vision, night blindness, and difficulty focusing
• Dizziness

An initial office exam by a physician may also find the following signs:

• Low blood pressure, particularly on standing
• Slightly elevated oral temperatures, but less than 100 degrees F which are part of persistent flu-like symptoms
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• A positive Romberg test (unsteadiness when standing with eyes closed)

Other symptoms that I have found that are common:

• Low Cortisol levels
• Low Pregnenalone levels
• Hypothyroidism
• Chronic active levels of Epstein Barr Virus
• HV6 (Human Herpes Virus 6) – active levels
• Low functioning levels of NK (Natural Killer) Cell Activity

As you can see from this huge list, CFIDS is a very complex disease – can you see why I so want the name officially changed?  It is so much more than just “Chronic Fatigue”.