Treat Cognitive Dysfunction due to CFS

Posted on July 26th, 2008 by overcomefatigue

Memory and concentration complaints are two of the more distressing symptoms reported by people with CFS.

Relaxation and meditation training and memory aids, such as organizers, schedulers and written resource manuals, can be helpful in addressing cognitive problems.

Stimulating the mind with puzzles, word games, card games and other activities may also be beneficial for some patients.

Clinicians [...]

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Treat the Depression but also treat the underlying CFS of the patients. Don’t miss the diagnosis. CFS is not an emotional problem.

Posted on July 26th, 2008 by overcomefatigue

Research shows that CFS is not a form of psychiatric illness or depression.

However, many people with chronic illnesses, including those with CFS, may suffer from secondary depression as the patient makes the multiple adjustments to having a debilitating, chronic illness.

As many as half of CFS patients develop depression sometime during the course of the illness.

When [...]

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Treat the Orthostatic Instability of CFS. It’s lightheadedness that makes them want to lie down all the time.

Posted on July 26th, 2008 by overcomefatigue

Some patients with CFS may also exhibit symptoms of orthostatic instability, in particular frequent dizziness and light-headedness.

Depending on severity and clinical judgment, these patients should be referred for evaluation by a cardiologist or neurologist.

Specific treatment for orthostatic instability should only be initiated following confirmed diagnosis and by clinicians experienced in evaluating therapeutic results and managing [...]

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Treat the Pain of CFS patients without making addicts out of them.

Posted on July 26th, 2008 by overcomefatigue

CFS pain occurs both in muscles (sometimes described as “deep pain”) and joints (arthralgias).

Patients may also complain of headaches (typically pressure-like) and allodynia, which is generalized hyperalgesia or soreness of the skin to touch.

Most pain therapy begins with simple analgesics like acetaminophen, aspirin or NSAIDS.

Additional therapy can be managed by a pain specialist. Counseling for [...]

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Treat the Sleep Disturbances of CFS sufferers even though they seem to be getting enough or too much sleep. They may not be having refreshing sleep.

Posted on July 26th, 2008 by overcomefatigue

The majority of CFS patients experience some form of sleep dysfunction.

Common sleep complaints include difficulty falling asleep, hypersomnia, frequent awakening, intense and vivid dreaming, restless legs and nocturnal myoclonus.

Most CFS patients experience non-restorative sleep as compared to their pre-illness experience.

Health professionals can help people with CFS adopt good sleep habits. Patients should be [...]

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Treat CFS with Alternative Therapies that have been shown by evidence-based studies to be safe and effective.

Posted on July 26th, 2008 by overcomefatigue

Alternative therapies are often explored by CFS patients to relieve symptoms.

Encourage patients to discuss such options with a health care professional to make sure they are safe and effective.

Acupuncture, aquatic therapy, gentle massage, meditation, deep breathing, biofeedback, yoga, tai chi and massage therapy have been found to help some patients and are often prescribed [...]

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Symptomatic Treatment of CFS only works if you treat the whole person. Most CFS sufferers’ existence (how can you call it life anyway?) is like being the nonhuman character in the story “The 10 Blind Men and the Elephant”. Except in their case the story got “stuck” on the “guessing game” page. Some health care practitioners need to take their blinders off!

Posted on July 26th, 2008 by overcomefatigue

Most  CFS sufferers’ existence (how can you call it life anyway?) is like being the nonhuman character in the story “The 10 Blind Men and  the Elephant”. Except in their case the story got “stuck” on the “guessing game” page. Some health care practitioners need to take their blinders off!
According to CDC:

People with CFS [...]

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Do not delay diagnosis and treatment

Posted on July 26th, 2008 by overcomefatigue

Since there is no known cure for CFS, treatment is aimed at symptom relief and improved function. A combination of drug and nondrug therapies is usually recommended.

No single therapy exists that helps all CFS patients.

Lifestyle changes, including prevention of overexertion, reduced stress, dietary restrictions, gentle stretching and nutritional supplementation, are frequently recommended in addition [...]

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