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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
Regardless of the season, time of day, or activities you do, you constantly feel tired. What if it was chronic fatigue syndrome? Explanations from Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo.
Do you constantly feel tired, very regularly and for no apparent reason? You may be suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis. Explanations from Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, what is it?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is diagnosed as severe fatigue when all other possible causes have been ruled out. “It is not simple fatigue, which can be felt by a patient during depression, for example or in the context of a pathology such as mononucleosis or cancer. first describes Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
“This is a pathology in its own right, but it is not easy to make the diagnosis straight away. The doctor will have to prescribe various tests, which will be used to rule out other possible causes, before making this diagnosis by elimination..
A recognized pathology, in its own right
“The disease is recognized by the International Classification of Diseases and the World Health Organization, although it is not clear what causes it. recalls Gérald Kierzek.
Hypotheses involving a dysfunction of the immune system or a viral origin have been raised. “However, the diagnosis of the disease is based solely on clinical criteria; the examinations are used to detect possible other pathologies, which must also be treated if necessary.“.
What are the criteria for SFC?
The criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome are fatigue with an impact on professional and personal activities for more than six months, with discomfort felt after exercise and non-refreshing sleep. “Cognitive disorders with a sort of brain fog and orthostatic hypotension are also noted in affected patients.” adds Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
What is the treatment for CFS?
“Naming the illness can already improve things for the patient.” explains the doctor. “For treatment, there are cognitive-behavioral therapies which can help patients, adapted physical activity or medication, against depression, which can exist in parallel or to improve sleep. further indicates Gérald Kierzek, who wants to reassure these patients. “These patients require comprehensive care and they must absolutely maintain hope, because their illness, although it is bothersome on a daily basis, generally improves over time.”.