Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is long-term tiredness (fatigue) that does not go away with sleep or rest, and affects everyday life.

CFS is also known as ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis). ‘Myalgia’ is muscle pain, and ‘encephalomyelitis’ is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. ME is a commonly used term, although it is thought to be too specific to cover all the symptoms. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also known by various other names, most commonly:

• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Encephalopathy (M.E.)
• Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS)
• Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS)

These names were given as they describe certain causes and mechanisms proposed to be involved in the illness.

 CFS is the term that is often used to describe long-term tiredness by GPs and medical professionals. This is because in the majority of cases, the main symptom is chronic fatigue. This is usually the preferred term, rather than ME, as in CFS, there is little evidence that inflammation of the brain and spinal cord occurs.

ME is often the preferred term of people who have CFS. This is because they feel ‘fatigue’ is too general, and does not reflect the severity and different types of fatigue. Also, it is felt that even though fatigue may occur in most cases, it is not the main or only symptom people experience.  

It is estimated that 150,000 people in the UK have CFS. Anyone can get CFS, although it is more common in women than in men. It usually develops in the early twenties to mid-forties. Children can also be affected, most commonly between the ages of 13–15.  

Symptoms

The following is a list of the major symptoms of CFS.

• Fatigue – This can be both physical and mental fatigue. It is a pronounced fatigue that leads to a significant reduction in ability to carry out normal tasks and live your usual lifestyle. The fatigue is usually ever present to some degree and is not relieved by sleep; in fact it may be a lot worse upon waking, especially after a lot of activity the previous day.
• Exercise Intolerance – A major feature shared by CFS sufferers is the lack of exercise tolerance. Although they may feel reasonably good before exercise, shortly after commencing they feel absolutely exhausted and cannot continue. It is the same thing a marathon runner experiences and is commonly known as “hitting the wall”. This phenomenon occurs because the body’s cells requirement for oxygen exceeds the supply so they switch to anaerobic (without oxygen) respiration and lactic acid builds up in the muscles.
• Severe Malaise – A general feeling of being ill. It can be described as a “flu-like” or “hangover” feeling.
• Muscle and Joint Aches – These can occur anywhere in the body but the most common sites are the lower back and legs. The aching can be severe and is aggravated substantially by any exertion, physical or mental. There is significant overlap here with Fibromyalgia and many patients are diagnosed with both CFS and Fibromyalgia.
• Cognitive Dysfunction – Symptoms of cognitive dysfunction are a prominent problem in CFS. They include poor concentration, memory loss (constantly forgetting simple information like names and numbers), inability to take in information (having to read the same thing over and over) and a general reduction in cognitive ability and IQ.
• Chronic Headache – As would be expected in someone who feels “ill all over” and achy in general, headaches are a common complaint in CFS. They are different to headaches experienced before the onset of CFS and their severity usually varies inline with other aches and symptoms.
• Balance Disturbance – An unusual but common symptom is a loss of balance or sensation of dizziness. This most often occurs upon standing up and the sufferer may feel faint and even black out. This is often referred to as 'Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH)' or ‘Orthostatic Intolerance’ and is most likely due to low blood pressure or abnormal blood flow to the brain.
• Recurrent Sore Throat – A persistent sore throat and/or swollen glands commonly precedes the onset of CFS and may continue as the illness progresses. This is felt to be an indicator that a viral infection plays a major role in cause of the illness.
• Mood and Sleep Disturbances – Depression, anxiety and irritability are often present which frequently leads to misdiagnosis by doctors. Sleep disturbances are common and may present as hyper somnolence (sleeping more than normal), sleep reversal i.e. sleeping all-day and awake at night, or insomnia (inability to sleep). Sleep apnoea and Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) are also common.
• Abdominal Pain/Digestive Disturbances – These are symptoms similar to Irritable Bowel Syndrome and, as with Fibromyalgia, CFS sufferers are often diagnosed with IBS.
• Nausea – Particularly apparent when other symptoms feeling particularly ill in general.
• Heightened Sensitivity to Light and/or Sound – Normal everyday levels of sound and light can seem overwhelming to a CFS sufferer. A busy place like a large shop will leave a sufferer totally exhausted very rapidly.
• Visual Disturbances – These may include a blurring of vision, especially when reading, and eye pain.
• Skin Sensitivity – This is another unusual symptom. Some CFS sufferers experience a sensation where patches of skin become very sensitive to touch and may feel like they are burning. Some people describe this as a “crawling sensation”.

The number and severity of symptoms varies drastically between individuals but the symptoms of fatigue, malaise, cognitive dysfunction and possibly muscle aches, are the core symptoms of the illness.

Possible Causes

The cause, or causes of CFS are still not clear. There are a number of theories that have been proposed, the main ones propose the following factors as the cause or causes of the illness:

• Viral Infection
• Mycoplasma Infection
• Immune or Endocrine Dysfunction
• Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
• Environmental Toxins
• Genetic Factors
• Candida Overgrowth/Gut Dysbiosis
• Heavy Metal Sensitivity
• Emotional Stress or Trauma

Treatment Approach

My approach to patients who attend my clinic with CFS is to ascertain the underlying cause of the problem.  This will obviously differ from person to person but a very common profile I see is that of a stressful incident compromising the immune system followed by a series of viral infections and gut Dysbiosis.  Electro-magnetic radiation exposure is another factor that has been associated with this condition.

There has to be a combined therapeutic approach to CFS.  My view is that it is no good using a ‘sticking plaster’ approach; the problem has to be eliminated ‘root and branch’.  This begins with a very thorough consultation and a series of tests using computerised Multiple Analytical Radionic Software (MARS) is carried out.  These biological scans can be focused upon any factor deemed to be important in each case; toxins, nervous system, immune system, gut Dysbiosis etc. 

There is no magic pill or treatment for CFS; it is a holistic, multiple-strategy approach.  Once the underlying cause has been identified a program of treatment can be planned. 

I target the underlying cause as a priority, which usually results in one major symptom being eliminated at a time.  A homeopathic principle of therapeutic progression is often described as like the layers of an onion being removed one at a time.  Using the MARS system, not only can the underlying imbalances be identified, but also remedies for each can be exactly matched to the physiological needs of the client.

Using the MARS system there is no doubt as to the appropriateness of a remedy as it is matched individually using highly advanced equipment and computer software.  This uses an electronically digitised representation of the client, as taken from the blood or hair sample, which is then overlaid by the test/remedy frequencies stored in the equipments database.  A report can be generated for the data that exactly matches the client.

During the session the healing frequencies identified by the MARS system are delivered via hand held electrodes to the client.  This is a very relaxing procedure as it also stimulates endorphins to be produced by the client’s nervous system.

In practically all cases of CFS there is a need to supplement nutritionally using high quality, high potency supplements.  These are once again matched exactly to the clients needs at that time.  A prescription is made out and clients order via telephone when they get home according to the instructions on the prescription sheet.

Finally the correct homeopathic remedies that have been identified are made up for the client to take away at the end of the session with full instructions about dosage and how to take them etc.