Common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

A diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome (also called immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), myalgic encephalomyelitis ) is made if these two criteria are met:

1. New onset fatigue not alleviated by rest, not due to exertion, and results in reduced level of functioning during occupational, educational, social, or personal activities
2. Four or more of the following symptoms are present for six months or more:

• Impaired memory or concentration
• Prolonged exhaustion and sickness after activity
• Unrefreshing sleep and muscle aches and pain
• joint pain, headaches, soar throat and or cervical lymph node swelling.

Reference:

Fukuda et al, Annals of Internal Medicine, Vol. 121, December 15, 1994, pp. 953-959.

AHRQ Evidence Report on Defining and Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Visit: http://www.cfids.org/ 

Keiji Fukuda, M.D., M.P.H., Stephen E. Straus, M.D., Ian Hickie, M.D., F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., Michael C. Sharpe, M.R.C.P., M.R.C. Psych., James G. Dobbins, Ph.D., Anthony L. Komaroff, M.D., F.A.C.P. and the International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group

Effects of obesity on fibromyalgia patients

A new study ties obesity as comorbidity of fibromyalgia. The researchers found that patients who were obese and had fibromyalgia were more likely to develop hyperalgesia, disability, impaired quality of life and sleep problems.

Reference:

Akiko Okifuji, Gary W. Donaldson, Lynn Barck, Perry G. Fine. Relationship Between Fibromyalgia and Obesity in Pain, Function, Mood, and Sleep. The Journal of Pain

New Treatment of Hamstring tendinopathy

Hamstring tendinopathy is a common sports. Tiny microtears that characterize chronic tendinopathy are not easily diagnosed. A research study shows that Ultrasound-guided autologous blood injection in the hamstring, in combination with a local steroid and dry-needling, appears to be a more clinically effective alternative to the current standard, steroid therapy.

Reference:

Radiological Society of North America. Researchers use patient's own blood to treat hamstring injury. ScienceDaily