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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.

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Take the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Quiz

We all get tired. Many of us have felt depressed at times. But the mystery known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is not like the normal ups and downs we have in everyday life.

1. For some people, chronic fatigue syndrome can begin when?

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CFS may develop after what seems to be a typical viral illness. Often, people say that their illnesses started during a time of high stress. In others, CFS develops more slowly. There is no clear illness or other event starting it.

A. After a coldB. After bronchitisC. After hepatitisD. Any of the above

2. The mental fatigue and confusion of CFS has been compared to what other condition?

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People with CFS say the extreme exhaustion is similar to that felt with mononucleosis, the flu, a lingering hangover, or untreated sleep apnea. The extreme exhaustion of chronic fatigue does not go away. It continues to drain the person for months and years.

A. MononucleosisB. A hangoverC. The fluD. Sleep apneaE. All of the above

3. Which of these is not a typical symptom of CFS?

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Typical symptoms include muscle and joint aches, fatigue, and weakness. Other possible symptoms include belly (abdominal) pain, bloating, chest pain, dizziness, dry eyes or mouth, jaw pain, morning stiffness, night sweats, short-term memory loss, mental problems such as panic attacks, shortness of breath, skin sensations, tingling feelings, and weight loss. CFS symptoms either hang on or often come and go for more than 6 months. For most people, CFS symptoms reach a certain point and stay the same. This happens early in the illness. After that, symptoms switch back and forth between getting worse and getting better. Over time, they may go away.

A. A rash over the trunkB. HeadacheC. Inability to concentrateD. Tender lymph nodes

4. Who is most likely to get CFS?

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Anyone can have CFS. People assigned female at birth are about 2 times more likely to develop CFS than people assigned male at birth. But experts aren't sure why this is so. CFS is more common in whites than in people of other ethnic groups. CFS also is known as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

A. College-educated people assigned female at birthB. College-educated people assigned male at birthC. People assigned female at birth of any ageD. People assigned male at birth of any ageE. All of the above

5. Which lab test can find out for sure if a person has CFS?

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No test has been shown to be able to diagnose CFS. In part, this is because healthcare providers don't know what causes it. In addition, the symptoms are unclear or are a lot like those of other diseases. This makes CFS hard to diagnose even based on the symptoms. A complete history and physical exam are needed to rule out conditions that mimic CFS. In some cases, blood tests may be ordered to rule out diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) that take years to show symptoms. Even after a possible diagnosis of CFS, new symptoms might show that the problem is not CFS.

A. Hemoglobin checkB. Blood glucoseC. Spinal tapD. None of the above

6. What is the main cause of CFS?

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Experts are not sure what causes CFS, but there are many theories. It is clear that CFS is not caused by anemia, hypoglycemia, allergies, or yeast infections. At this time, no one knows the cause. But CFS seems to involve interactions between the immune and central nervous systems. It does not seem to be an infectious disease, passed from one person to another.

A. AnemiaB. HypoglycemiaC. AllergiesD. None of the above

7. How is CFS treated?

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No specific treatment is available for CFS. But cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercises may help. CBT uses talk therapy to create strategies to stop negative and unhelpful thought cycles. Graded exercise is exercise therapy that starts slowly and gradually adds more activity over time. Certain medicines can ease some of the symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can ease body aches and fever. Antihistamines can reduce a runny nose and other allergy-like symptoms. Low doses of antidepressants may help with sleep problems and depression from the illness. A rehab specialist can help plan activities for the times when a person with CFS has the energy to do them.

A. SurgeryB. RadiationC. Beta blockersD. None of the above

8. Which of these statements is true about people who have CFS?

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These statements are all rumors that have circulated about CFS, but none has been proved.

A. People with CFS lose their fingerprints over timeB. People with CFS have a diet deficiency that causes their conditionC. People with CFS are more likely to attempt suicide than people with other illnessesD. None of the above

Your score was:

Online Medical Reviewer: Gotwals, Jessica, RN, BSN, MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Pedersen, Deborah, MD

Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2023

© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

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