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Conditions Chronic fatigue syndrome

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ICD codes: G93.3 What are ICD codes?

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) refers to severe fatigue that does not improve even with rest. Physical and mental activity can worsen the condition. Treatment is primarily aimed at the symptoms.

At a glance

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) refers to severe fatigue that majorly impairs everyday life. If the person affected also has muscle pain, the condition is referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
  • The condition is also commonly known as systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).
  • With ME/CFS, the symptoms typically get worse after a small amount of exertion. Patients also experience sleep and concentration disorders as well as circulatory weaknesses.
  • The exact cause of the syndrome currently remains unknown.
  • From a treatment perspective, it is important to find a medical confidant who can provide assistance and support.
  • Some symptoms can be successfully treated with medication. At present, there is no specific cure.

Note: The information in this article cannot and should not replace a medical consultation and must not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.

  • Charité Fatigue Centrum, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Informationen für Ärzte. Aufgerufen am 13.02.2022.
  • DynaMed [Internet]. Ipswich (MA). Chronic Fatigue Syndrome EBSCO Information Services. Aufgerufen am 13.02.2022.
  • UpToDate [Internet]. Approach to the adult patient with fatigue. Wolters Kluwer 2022. Aufgerufen am 13.02.2022.
  • Mitchell WM. Efficacy of rintatolimod in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis CFS/ME. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2016 Jun 2; 9(6): 755-770. doi: 10.1586/17512433.2016.1172960
  • UpToDate [Internet]. Patient Education: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (The Basics). Wolters Kluwer 2022. Aufgerufen am 13.02.2022.
  • Sapra A, Bhandari P. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. [Updated 2022 July 02]. In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. 2022 Jan-. Aufgerufen am 13.02.2022.
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Reviewed by the German Neurological Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie e.V. – DGN) and the German Brain Foundation (Deutsche Hirnstiftung e.V. – DHS).

As at: 28.02.2023
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