The Search For The Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

For years, researchers struggled to find clear-cut chronic fatigue syndrome causes. Perhaps it was just a convergence of factors, they surmised. It could be part genetics, brain abnormality, hyper-reactive immune system, a virus, infection and psychiatric illness. Scientists had a feeling this tiredness syndrome came about as a result of a moderate-to-serious physical illness or a chronic viral infection that left residual effects within the body. Perhaps depression helped perpetuate some of the symptoms for an extended period of time.

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Learn To Recognize The Signs And Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In 1982, a 21-year-old North Hollywood ballerina named Cynthia Toussaint developed her first chronic fatigue symptom following a hamstring injury. She described her pain as “being doused with gasoline and lit on fire.” Muscle spasms contracted her right arm and leg, folding her limbs up and making her feel constantly fatigued. She had trouble keeping her eyes open and frequently fell asleep in chairs. “I was bedridden for a decade and could barely crawl to go to the toilet,” she told www.ABCNews.com. “They said it was in my head — that I had stage fright or tendonitis from Mars. People said I was making it up.” Eventually she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.

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What’s the Latest on Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

“The cause or causes of chronic fatigue syndrome remain unknown, despite a vigorous search,” writes the Centers for Disease Control. It’s still plausible that the symptoms result from a combination of factors, including genetic, environmental, stresses and toxins. Currently, it’s believed up to one million Americans suffer from CF symptoms. The only way they can be diagnosed is through a careful assessment of their symptoms and by ruling out other serious illnesses or diseases.

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