Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a long-term condition that causes overwhelming fatigue that does not improve with rest. People living with CFS often experience a dramatic reduction in their ability to carry out daily activities. The fatigue is not just tiredness but a deep, persistent exhaustion that can be physical, mental, or both.
CFS affects people of all ages, though it is more common in women. The condition can last for months or years, and its severity can fluctuate over time.
Common symptoms include:
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Severe fatigue that does not improve with rest
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Post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms after physical or mental activity)
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Sleep problems, including unrefreshing sleep
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Cognitive difficulties, often called “brain fog”
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Muscle or joint pain
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Headaches
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Dizziness or difficulty maintaining balance
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Sensitivity to light, sound, or temperature
What causes it?
The exact cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not fully understood. Research suggests that it arises from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Possible contributors include:
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Viral or bacterial infections that trigger long-term changes in the immune system
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Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (which controls heart rate, blood pressure, and energy regulation)
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Hormonal imbalances
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High levels of stress or trauma that impact brain-body communication
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Genetic susceptibility
In many people, CFS begins after an infection or stressful life event, but it persists due to changes in the way the nervous system processes signals related to energy, fatigue, and pain.
A Neuroplasticity-Based Approach
Emerging science shows that the brain and nervous system play a central role in sustaining chronic fatigue. When the nervous system becomes “stuck” in a protective state, it can keep signaling exhaustion, pain, or stress responses even when the original trigger has passed. This creates a cycle where the body feels drained and unable to recover fully.
At Menda, we use therapies that help retrain the brain and calm the nervous system. Approaches such as Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help reduce the brain’s fatigue signals and restore balance. By teaching the nervous system new, safer patterns, people can gradually rebuild their energy, resilience, and quality of life.
You don’t have to keep living with these symptoms. Explore Menda’s evidence-based therapies designed to rewire the brain and restore balance.
Key Neuroplasticity-Informed Strategies
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Pacing and energy regulation: Learning how to balance activity and rest to avoid flare-ups.
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Mind-body retraining: Using guided exercises to calm the nervous system and reduce false “danger” signals.
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Cognitive shifts: Identifying and reframing unhelpful thoughts that reinforce fatigue.
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Gentle exposure: Gradually reintroducing safe activities without triggering post-exertional malaise.
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Mindfulness and acceptance: Building resilience by responding differently to symptoms.
Why Neuroplasticity Works
The brain has the ability to change and adapt, a process called neuroplasticity. In CFS, the nervous system becomes overprotective and hypersensitive, continuing to send signals of fatigue even when the body is not in danger. By practicing techniques that calm and retrain the brain, these signals can be reduced, leading to improved energy, better sleep, and restored function.
This approach does not deny the reality of symptoms. Instead, it offers a path to recovery by addressing the brain-body mechanisms that keep fatigue locked in place.
When to Seek Care
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience:
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Severe fatigue that does not improve with rest for more than six months
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Post-exertional crashes after even minor activity
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Difficulty functioning at work, school, or in daily life
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New or worsening neurological, cardiovascular, or immune-related symptoms
A medical evaluation can help rule out other conditions and guide treatment. With the right support, many people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can experience meaningful improvement.
