Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Specialist

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder characterized by extreme and persistent fatigue that doesn’t have an identifiable cause. Your tiredness may increase after physical or mental activity, but rest doesn’t restore your energy. 

In addition to tiredness, some of the common signs of chronic fatigue syndrome include:

• Decreased memory 
• Lost concentration
• Headaches
• Frequent sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Muscle and joint pain

You may also suffer from disproportionately long periods of exhaustion after physical activity. 

What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?

Medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, several potential contributing factors have been identified: 

Viral infections

Many patients develop chronic fatigue syndrome after a viral infection. Researchers believe that certain viruses, such as Epstein-Barr and herpes, could trigger chronic fatigue syndrome. 

Hormonal imbalances

It’s common to have abnormal levels of the hormones produced by your adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus if you have chronic fatigue syndrome. A direct correlation hasn’t yet been confirmed, but medical professionals are working to identify the link between these hormones and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Immune system dysfunction

Some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome also have slightly underperforming immune systems. You may be more susceptible to illnesses, and your immune system may have to work harder to fight off infection, which can contribute to fatigue. However, the link between immune function and chronic fatigue syndrome isn’t fully understood.

How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?

Unfortunately, there’s no single test for chronic fatigue syndrome, and other illnesses need to be ruled out before your provider can offer a diagnosis. However, at Russak Personalized Medicine, the team provides comprehensive lab tests and state-of-the-art diagnostics to assess your health. 

They screen for other illnesses that could cause similar symptoms, such as sleep disorders and thyroid dysfunction. The team treats you and your health as their top priority. They work diligently to identify the true cause of your symptoms so they can offer customized treatments to restore your health.

What methods treat chronic fatigue syndrome?

The team at Russak Personalized Medicine creates treatment plans to address your specific chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms. For example, you may benefit from massage and physical therapy to relieve muscle and joint pain. Alternatively, if you have depression or anxiety, which are common co-occurring conditions with chronic fatigue syndrome, your provider may suggest antidepressants or therapy to help you cope with both your mental health and your physical symptoms. 

Chronic fatigue syndrome can leave you feeling isolated and hopeless. The team at Russak Personalized Medicine can help. Call the practice or make an appointment online today for attentive, customized medical care.