Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a complex disorder characterized by profound and lasting fatigue that lasts for six months or more at a time. The underlying medical condition can not be fully explained. Although there are many theories from psychological to viral infections. It appears that it can worsen with physical or mental activity and doesn’t improve with added sleep.
CFS/ME may afflict over one million Americans and in more women than men. While 60% of those diagnosed with CFS/ME also meet the criteria for fibromyalgia.
SYMPTOMS
CFS/ME can include symptoms such as:
Sleep abnormalities
Muscle or joint pain which intensifies with exertion
Memory, focus and concentration deficits
Dizziness when moving from lying down, sitting or standing
Sore throat
Headaches
Extreme exhaustion
Enlarged lymph nodes in neck or armpits
Symptoms generally are more pronounced in the first couple years, with gradual improvement in functioning over time.
According to the medical establishment, there is no one test to confirm a diagnosis. So a multitude of other tests need to be taken in order to rule out other conditions that may share similar symptoms.
Chronic fatigue syndrome has symptoms that can mimic many other medical problems where fatigue is present such as anemia, diabetes and hypothyroidism. Fatigue is also commonly seen in mental health issues like depression and anxiety. So being checked out by a professional is a wise idea.
CAUSES
The actual cause for CFS/ME is unknown yet people may have a predisposition for the disorder that can create symptoms when triggered by a combination of potential factors.
Immune System problems. CFS/ME sufferers appear to have slight irregularities yet not enough to confirm as causational.
Viral infections. Suspicious viruses include Epstein-Barr, human and herpes virus 6 show a correlation because some people develop CFS/ME after having a viral infection. Yet, no conclusive proof has been established.
Physical/emotional trauma. CFS/ME conditions can arise shortly after a surgery, injury or emotional stress in some people bringing concern of a possible connection.
Hormonal imbalances. There is evidence to suggest that because of abnormal hormonal blood levels produced in the pituitary glands, hypothalamus or adrenals could play a part in CFS/ME development.
THERAPY
At the present time there is no known cure for CFS/ME so most healthcare professionals focus on symptom relief. Most beneficial include:
Sleep training and relaxation techniques
Neurofeedback
Graded exercise therapy
Neuromuscular therapy and massage
Meditation , tai chi, yoga
Nutrition management
Anti-bacterial or anti-viral therapy
NEUROFEEDBACK FOR CFS
People who suffer from CFS show a lower amplitude of brainwave frequencies throughout the brain, mostly in the frontal lobes. These unusual amounts of unhealthy delta waves indicate a slowing of informational exchange in those brain regions. Setting the stage for a host of symptoms associated with CFS.
Neurofeedback appears to impact the autonomic nervous system so the brain can better self regulate.
There is a significant amount of observed clinical evidence for the effectiveness of neurofeedback in helping to alleviate the most problematic symptoms of CFS.
Neurofeedback has been shown to work well on symptoms associated with CFS like: depression, anxiety, cognitive deficits, concentration, mood, energy, pain , memory, headaches and sleep disturbances.
A 1996 case study report identified neurofeedback helped improve CFS patents cognitive abilities, functional skill levels, and overall quality of life on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.
By directly addressing the energetic expression of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as seen in poor brainwave activity. Neurofeedback offers a much needed drug free neurological approach to the treatment of CFS.
-A balanced brain is an energetic brain-