Chronic Fatigue Syndrome In Children

The disease commonly affects more females than males, affects all racial and ethnic nationalities, is more prevalent in the 20 to 40 age group, but can strike our youth. Scientists have been studying Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) to see if there is any correlation between the disease and certain metabolic disorders, and or risk factors such as age, sex, prior illnesses, environment, and stress.

When children exhibit the symptoms of CFS, their physicians will want to do a complete physical examination as well as to take a through medical family history. The youth or parent (if the patient is young) will need to ask questions regarding the symptoms they are having, onset (when the symptoms started), and the severity of the symptoms. Other questions may include the following:

Cognitive Skills – how has the child been performing at school? Have there been any noticeable lapses in memory or decreased thinking skills?

Have there been any changes in the child’s personality?

How has the child been psychologically?

Has the child suffered from any bouts of anxiety or depression?

How has your child’s activity level been?

Does the child complain of any pain?

Does the child complain of being overly tired?

Have there been any complaints of vision difficulties, objects floating in front of them?

It can be difficult to assess a child who is complaining of fatigue due to the fact that children can be tired for many reasons. The reasons can range from being overly taxed at school, to too much extra-curricular activities, and possibly the old getting out of school excuse “I’m too tired to go to school”. The physician will be looking for symptoms that have lasted for 6 months or longer in duration. A determination will be made to see if there is any explanation for the symptoms other than disease.

Children may exhibit any of these symptoms, but the physician will be looking to see if any four of these symptoms present themselves during the question period.

Severe, chronic fatigue for at least 6 months or longer that is not alleviated by rest

Forgetfulness or showing signs of having difficulty in concentrating

Persistant sore throat

Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpit

Complaints of muscle pain or joint pain that does not involve swelling or redness

Headaches different from those usually experienced, in which a new pattern, or severity is noticed.

Feeling still tired when first waking up and having vague feelings of illness or perhaps depression

Extreme tiredness after exerting him or herself, lasting more than 24 hours following the physical activity

Extreme fatigue lasting more than 24 hours not associated with physical activity

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can especially be difficult to diagnose in children because the symptoms mimic other diseases. The physician will need to run urine and blood tests and possibly other tests to first rule out any other cause for the child’s symptoms. You will need to tell the physician about any allergies or medications the child may be taking. Your physician will most likely refer the child to a psychologist or therapist to Access the child’s cognitive skills, psychological profiles and personality in relationship to the symptoms. You may be required to take the child back to the physician for follow up visits to determine any change in symptoms. You will be able to discuss a treatment plan that will help the child to function as normally as possible and to help alleviate the symptoms. The physician is there is help you understand CFS and what having CFS means to your child’s ability to function and participate in school and daily activities. Asking questions, gaining knowledge and participating in your child’s treatment plan will help your child to cope with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.