The diagnosis of CFS is based upon having four or more of the following symptoms in addition to the first one (which is required for the diagnosis), and having no other medical problems to explain these symptoms. There is no “test” for CFS. You may be at increased risk if an immediate family member has had CFS or fibromyalgia, but 80% of people with CFS have no known family history.
| ___ | I have had new, unexplained, persistent, or relapsing physical and mental fatigue for at least six months (If under 18, make this three months). |
| ___ | My fatigue is not the result of ongoing exertion. |
| ___ | My fatigue is not relieved by appropriate rest. |
| ___ | I have at least four of the following symptoms: |
| ___ | Weakness and exhaustion, lasting more than 24 hours, following mental or physical activity (“post exertional malaise”) |
| ___ | Unrefreshing sleep, insomnia, day/night reversals, or excessive daytime sleepiness |
| ___ | Substantial impairment of short-term memory or concentration, “brain fog”, problems with my short-term memory, confusion, disorientation, difficulty finding the right words or numbers, difficulty concentrating |
| ___ | Widespread or migratory muscle pain |
| ___ | Pain in the joints, without swelling or redness |
| ___ | Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity |
| ___ | Tender armpit and/or neck lymph nodes |
| ___ | Persistent or frequent sore throat |
| ___ | In addition, I have the following symptoms which may be CFS related: |
| ___ | I have unexplained abdominal or chest pain |
| ___ | I have difficulty concentrating, |
| ___ | I have problems maintaining my balance |
| ___ | I have hypersensitivity to light (photophobia) or noise |
| ___ | I have hypersensitivity to emotional overload |
| ___ | I have dizziness, palpitations, urinary frequency, or shortness of breath |
| ___ | I have been told by a doctor that I have orthostatic intolerance, neurally mediated hypotension, or postural orthostatic tachycardia |
| ___ | I have irritable bowel syndrome |
| ___ | I have low body temperature, intolerance to heat or cold, often feel feverish, often feel like I have chills, inappropriate sweating, abnormal appetite |
| ___ | I have new sensitivities to foods, medications or chemicals |
