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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – what causes this mysterious illness?
For the many thousands of individuals who at present suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), the causes of this unexplained illness remain a mystery. Well thought-of medical institutions, including the Centers for Disease Control have launched research efforts into discovering the reasons why some individuals contract CFS and what can be done to alleviate the symptoms of this 20th/21st century problem.
Originally termed “yuppie flu” by the media, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was thought to be caused by the Epstein Barr virus, or mononucleosis.
In the late 1980’s, when it first appeared, it seemed that only individuals who suffered from the so called yuppie flu were the young, upwardly mobile, urban professionals who, because of their busy lifestyles, were tired and burnt out.
On further investigation the medical profession discovered that many other individuals were suffering from similar unexplained symptoms which made them suspect they were all connected to the same illness.
Even though the medical community has published studies that reinforce the reality of this illness, sufferers continue to find the “yuppie flu” description still prevails and the illness is often not accorded the status it needs to ensure people realize it is so debilitating.
Many individuals suffering from CFS have reported that they became ill first with a virus before they later noticed the symptoms now credited to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Researchers now believe a virus, although not responsible for CFS, may cause damage to the neurological system of the individual who later because of this damage are prone to and suffer symptoms of CFS.
It is thought that during the course of what may well be originally a relatively harmless virus, areas of the brain may sustain damage which results in the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For some reason, this damage may be permanent or transient – or at least the symptoms caused by the damage may be.
Some individuals who suffer from CFS find their symptoms may lessen or completely disappear in time, and still others find that they may experience a “remission” of sorts, only to have the symptoms reappear at a later time (This can be months or years later).
This “Brain Injury” theory is the most prevalent at this moment in time and appears to provide the most rational explanation for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to date.
As the control center of the body, the brain, when unable to function normally, can cause a host of mysterious symptoms unexplained by any known medical illness. Further research into the causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome should provide the answers to why some individuals suffer from this brain injury and others do not. Only time will tell.
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