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Suspected Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In discussing the causes and symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome it is important to bear in mind that so much is still not understood about this complex condition. Symptoms may present themselves differently in each individual and the course of their illness may vary substantially from that of another.

While profound exhaustion is truly the hallmark of this illness it also affects so much of the body's basic organisms. It has been described by Ottawa physician Byron Hyde as "An injury to the software of the human body." This was a reference to two vital aspects of our bodies - the immune system and the nervous system.

What brings about this initial damage or injury is not a known fact. Some experts suspect that it may be linked to the Epstein-Barr virus which is a part of the herpesvirus family that is also the cause of mononucleosis. This consensus is based on the fact that some people with CFS have been found to have high levels of antibodies of this virus in their blood. As well, a good number of CFS sufferers can date the start of their symptoms with the coinciding of a viral infection. However, there has been no conclusive connection made scientifically between EBV and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

What is also true is that many individuals have developed chronic fatigue without having any known preceding infections. So research has led experts in a variety of other directions. Some of the suggested causes include a possible defect in the mechanisms that the body uses to regulate it's blood pressure, an immune system breakdown, anemia, hypothyroidism, chronic mercury poisoning from fillings, hypoglycemia, chronic sleep issues, or an infection caused by the fungus candida albicans. The list is extensive. The muscle disorder fibromyalgia seems to have a connection with many people who suffer from CFS as well.

As with many diseases or conditions, it is thought that genetic factors may play a role and make someone more susceptible to developing CFS. There is also a possibility that environmental toxins and other invasive factors could weaken the immune system to the point of making an individual vulnerable.

It is suspected that for some people, certain traumas to the body such as a head injury or surgery could be a trigger to starting CFS. At issue for others could be the use of certain medications such as antidepressants, beta-blockers (used to treat cardiac arrhythmias), benzodiazapines (which can be used to slow down the body's nervous system) or an over use of antibiotics - any of which might act as a factor in instigating chronic fatigue.

Ultimately, it may not be any one single factor that is the main cause. It may possibly be a certain combination of events and/or combined illnesses or infections that proves to be the factors behind an individual developing chronic fatigue.

While the specific cause may remain a mystery, what does seem to be a given, is that extra physical or emotional stress seems to make the condition worse. Over an extended length of time this can result in serious damage being done to a person's immune system. While it is never really 'cured' some people can experience almost spontaneous recoveries. But once having had it, it can recur again in conjunction with another illness or at low times during periods of great stress.