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| system is not well understood. Chronic Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) Syndrome, and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) are some of the other names for this puzzling condition whose broad symptom picture includes fatigue, recurrent sore throats, low-grade fever, insomnia, lymph node swelling, muscle and joint pain, headache, memory loss, depression, anxiety, blurry vision, multiple allergies, rashes, intestinal discomfort, impaired concentration, recurrent respiratory infections and sometimes additional complaints as well. Ninety five percent have fatigue as their primary symptom, and ninety percent have cognitive function disorders; that is, they have fuzzy thinking and difficulty translating thoughts into words. |
| The cause is not known, and diagnosis can be extremely difficult since other disorders such as parasitic and autoimmune diseases, Lyme disease, lymph diseases and heavymetal poisoning can have similar symptoms. To make matters even more complicated, many other diseasesespecially allergies and Candida albicanscoexist with CFIDS. It is also thought that Giardia lamblia, and Trichomonas may be associated with CFIDS. We do know that stress and weakened immunity are key predisposing factors. The overuse of anti-hypertensives, tranquilizers and anesthetics may be other cofactors. |
| Fibromyalgia, another ailment with very similar symptoms but with more muscle involvement and pain, may actually be another form of CFIDS. Although not an anti-inflammatory disease per se, fibromyalgia is a condition of muscle tenderness and stiffness with "trigger points" of more acute inflammation and pain. It is more common in women than in men and occurs more in young women who are stressed, anxious, depressed, tense and striving. Those diagnosed with fibromyalgia usually feel better after exercise, while those with CFIDS usually feel worse with exercise. |
| Experts agree that EBV is a member of the herpes group |
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