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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is not a disease, but rather a complex array of symptoms that involves many bodily systems. CFS often resembles the flu and other viral infections, but routine medical tests fail to detect any physical problem. Because of this, it is often misdiagnosed as psychosomatic illness, depression or hypochondria. The condition is more prevalent in women than men and most often affects young people between the ages of 20 and 50.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complicated disorder characterized by severe fatigue that does not improve with bed rest and may worsen with physical or mental activity. It distresses both the body and the brain; affecting concentration, short-term memory, and sleep. CFS is ... associated with flu-like symptoms of joint and muscle pain, and tenderness in the lymph nodes. These symptoms, among others, generally continue unabated, leaving the body depleted of energy and the ability to defend itself against other conditions.1
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome claims have been made clearer by the adoption of Social Security Ruling 99-2p. This Ruling finally acknowledges that CFS is a medically determinable impairment and describes the various findings that can establish the diagnosis. This Ruling is quite useful and can be found at the SSA’s web site, www.ssa.org. Generally, the focus is on a longitudinal view of the medical evidence and the extent and nature of the treatment provided by the various physicians. The clinical findings and summaries of the patient’s complaints in the office notes are critical in terms of establishing the existence of a medical impairment. As to whether the symptoms are totally disabling, SSA will consider the medical opinions, as well as the statements of the Claimant and third parties, as in any other disability claim.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is characterised clinically by constant, incapacitating fatigue (usually experienced as exhaustion and poor stamina) which is not relieved by bed rest and of at least six months duration. Onset is usually abrupt and often accompanies illness due to infection. Symptoms often wax and wane, but are usually severely debilitating and may last many months or even years.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is ... known as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, highlighting the role of the immune system in the production of symptoms and other complications. It is also known as Myalgic Encephalopathy in the UK and Australia.
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While the exact cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is unknown, there are several theories. Most experts believe that CFS is an immune activation (autoimmune) disorder in which the immune system is so geared up to defend the body against invaders that it attacks the body's own tissues. This autoimmune activity is similar in some respects to lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome