Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Because the symptoms of CFS are so vague and can vary widely from person to
person, the CDC developed a detailed case definition in 1994 to help doctors
diagnose it. According to that definition, in order to be diagnosed with CFS a person
must have both:
• severe, chronic fatigue for at least 6 months or longer that is not alleviated by
rest, with other known medical conditions having been excluded by a doctor's
diagnosis
• four or more of the following symptoms:
- forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
- sore throat
- tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit
- muscle pain or multi-joint pain without swelling
- headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
- unrefreshing sleep and vague feelings of illness or depression after exerting
oneself, lasting more than 24 hours following exertion
- tiredness that lasts longer than 24 hours