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Chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis) Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.

Answers to questions about chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis)

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

My child has CFS and I've heard that vaccinations can make it worse. Is this true?

The cause or causes of CFS are unknown and there is some concern that your child may have a reaction to vaccines, which could cause his or her CFS symptoms to get worse or come back (relapse).

Explanation

Some people with CFS may react to vaccinations but how likely this is, is uncertain. You will need to consider how essential the vaccine is, the possible effects of not having the vaccine and the effects the vaccine may have on your child's symptoms of CFS. The National ME Centre has outlined that it may be advisable to wait until symptoms have been the same for a while, without a series of bad bouts, before having vaccinations. However, if the vaccine is potentially life saving or essential then CFS takes lower priority.

Different vaccinations, particularly hepatitis B, are thought to cause different levels of reactions. The reaction is specific to the vaccination your child may be having and their symptoms. If your child needs to have a vaccine, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Further information

Sources

  • Vaccinations. Association of Young People with ME (AYME). www.ayme.org.uk, accessed 30 July 2008
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How much of CFS is a psychological condition and how much is a physical condition?

The causes of CFS are not clear. This makes it very difficult to know the effects of CFS on the mind and the body. But essentially you can't separate the psychological and physical symptoms of CFS. Psychological symptoms can have underlying physical causes and vice versa.

Explanation

A number of factors may be involved in the development of CFS. Research first focused on CFS/ME as a disorder of the brain (psychiatric or psychological). Treatments with medicines which affect the brain have not proved successful and research has outlined that CFS shouldn't be classified as a psychiatric disorder because it may not be. In fact, it's difficult to classify CFS at all. Alongside extreme tiredness, there are also physical symptoms such as sore throat, muscle and joint pain and enlarged glands in the neck. What causes these wide ranging symptoms isn't known.

It's thought that physical or psychological stresses may trigger CFS. Stress caused by life events such as a death in the family or a relationship breakdown is linked to CFS. Three in four people who have CFS had a cold/flu or Epstein-Barr viral infection which they think triggered CFS. This associates CFS with the immune system. Some studies have highlighted that CFS may be linked to hormonal changes due to changes in levels of certain hormones such as cortisol. Changes in brain structure have also been seen which may mean the nervous system may be affected in CFS. The immune system, hormones and nervous system may all factor in CFS. Further research is needed to find the cause or causes and how the psychological and physical factors may be linked so it can be treated.

Further information

Sources

  • Prins JB Meer van der JWM Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. The Lancet. 2006; 367(2006):346-55. www.thelancet.com
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How can a doctor be sure I have CFS?

It's very difficult to diagnose CFS as there are no tests to confirm it because the cause is unknown.

Explanation

Tests are usually carried out to eliminate other conditions. Once other conditions are ruled out a diagnosis of CFS may be made. It is important to ensure your symptoms are not caused by another condition for which the treatment may be different.

Sources

  • Prins JB Meer van der JWM Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. The Lancet. 2006. 367(2006):346-55. www.thelancet.com
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: March 2009

 

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