It is estimated that between 1 and 4 million Americans suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).  And that only half of these people seek help from their doctors.  Most doctors agree that CFS is a serious illness that poses a dilemma for patients and their families.  But what is chronic fatigue syndrome? And what causes it?                                                                                               

What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is long-term tiredness or fatigue that does not go away with sleep or rest.  The disorder is also known as ME, or myalgic encephalomyelitis. 'Myalgia' refers to muscle pain, and 'encephalomyelitis' refers to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Chronic fatigue syndrome significantly affects everyday life and causes extreme fatigue that mimics many other kinds of illnesses. This type of fatigue is not the kind of tired feeling that goes away after you rest. Instead, the feelings of exhaustion last a long time and limit a person's ability to do ordinary daily activities.  This is why people diagnosed with CFS experience persistent tiredness so severe that it prevents them from working, exercising, and enjoying life.