Is chronic fatigue syndrome another version of fibromyalgia?
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Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum answered:In real life, most people who have fibromyalgia also have chronic fatigue syndrome (and vice versa). Unfortunately, the research and clinical definitions used for these conditions sometimes create more confusion than help. Basically, if you have persistent severe exhaustion that does not go way with vacation combined with severe insomnia and brain fog, you likely have chronic fatigue syndrome (or a related process) whether or not it fits the exact diagnostic criteria. If you also have widespread pain, you likely have fibromyalgia as well.
In real life, most people who have fibromyalgia also have chronic fatigue syndrome (and vice versa). Unfortunately, the research and clinical definitions used for these conditions sometimes create more confusion than help. Basically, if you have... More -
RealAge answered:Despite a lack of consensus, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia do share many of the same symptoms, including overwhelming fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood disorders and headaches. But some experts believe they are separate conditions and that the one symptom that may distinguish fibromyalgia from CFS is pain. Even more confusing, some findings suggest that people with fibromyalgia also develop CFS. Fortunately, many of the treatments for fibromyalgia fatigue also help reduce fatigue from CFS.
Despite a lack of consensus, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia do share many of the same symptoms, including overwhelming fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood disorders and headaches. But some experts believe they are separate... More -
Baptist Health South Florida answered:While chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by an unexplained fatigue lasting at least six months and possibly accompanied by cold-like symptoms, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) focuses on unexplained general pain. Fibromyalgia can cause pain in muscles, joints, tendons, or ligaments, and is usually accompanied by a general exhaustion. Similarly, fibromyalgia can be characterized by the presence of tender points of the skin, which can be painful following a minor touch. These two conditions are called sister illnesses, which means that some people experience symptoms of both at the same time, while some just experience symptoms of one disease.
While chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by an unexplained fatigue lasting at least six months and possibly accompanied by cold-like symptoms, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) focuses on unexplained general pain. Fibromyalgia can... More
