What Causes CFS?
Introduction
| What Causes CFS?
| Introduction
| Suggestions
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The term "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" (CFS) was decided on in 1988 by a group of researchers. It was intended to replace "Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus" (CEBV) and "Chronic Mononucleosis," which were inaccurate names.
Many people use the term CFIDS (pronouced See-Fids), which was originally an acronym for "Chronic Fatigue/Immune Dysfunction Syndrome" or "Chronic Fatigue/Immune Dysregulation Syndrome." These terms were based on the belief that the illness is caused by problems with the immune system. Although this view is less prevalent, the acronym CFIDS is still used.
Outside of the United States, the term "ME" is in common use. ME was originally short for "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis," literally "infection and swelling of the brain with muscle pain," or "Myalgic Encephalitis," "infection of the brain with muscle pain." Like CFIDS, the term ME is often used although its original meaning is not accurate.
At one point the illness was commonly called Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (CEBV). The Epstein-Barr virus, a virus that commonly causes mononucleosis, was thought to be the cause of CFS. This has proven not to be true.
| What Causes CFS?
| Introduction
| Suggestions
|