DIAGNOSIS
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is difficult to diagnose.
Your doctor will ask questions on your medical history and perform a physical exam. Other tests may include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
- Blood glucose level.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone test.
- Detect problems that affect the thyroid gland.
- Chemistry panel.
- Urinalysis.
- Overall health information.
Other tests may include:
- ANA (antinuclear antibodies).
- Check for Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid factor.
- Check for rheumatoid arthritis.
- HIV test
- Tests for Lyme disease.
- Skin test for tuberculosis
- Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C tests.
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
Medicines do not cure chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). But they can help relieve your symptoms.
Medicine choices
Over-the-counter medicines include:
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs
Prescription medicines include:
- Anticonvulsants (antiseizure medicines)
- Antidepressants
- to ease depression and anxiety, improve your ability to concentrate, and promote better sleep
- Narcotics
- Pain that is not relieved by normal pain medications