CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a condition characterized by profound fatigue, sleep abnormalities, and joint pain that lasts for at least six months and worsens with physical or mental activity and does not improve with rest. There is currently no single laboratory test that directly diagnoses Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and diagnosis is largely based upon symptomatology. Common symptoms can include, but are not limited to: unrelenting fatigue, headaches, problems with memory or concentration(brain fog), muscle/joint pain, dizziness that worsens when moving from sitting or lying down to standing, sleep problems, sore throats/flu-like symptoms, light sensitivity, IBS/gut problems, or enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Conventional medicine will usually focus on symptom reduction whereas Functional Medicine will approach Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by focusing on which of your systems are malfunctioning. It will be necessary to explore underlying causes for chronic inflammatory conditions that are often associated with CFS as well as the patient’s adrenal health, exposures to toxicities, stealth infections and possible autoimmunity. Once all contributing factors have been discovered, Dr. Williams will devise an individualized plan to address all imbalances found.