CFS and FM: ETIOLOGY AND LAB TESTING

  • December
    09

    In the past, CFS and FM have been diagnosed on exclusion of similar appearing conditions. Due to the widespread symptoms experienced by a patient it is common to observe multiple dysfunctions within the same person contributing to their debilitated state.

    Such common conditions to rule out include the following (Bested and Logan, 2008):

    • Addison’s disease,
    • Cushing’s syndrome,
    • hypothyroidism/ hyperthyroidism,
    • iron deficiency/ iron overload syndrome,
    • anemia of various types,
    • diabetes mellitus,
    • cancer,
    • treatable sleep disorders (ie. apnoea),
    • neurological and auto-immune disorders (ie. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis, B12 deficiency)
    • infectious diseases (ie. AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, Lyme disease),
    • Celiac disease,
    • primary psychiatric disorders and substance abuse

    In order to rule out the above conditions, laboratory testing and imaging is necessary. Below is a thorough but not exclusive list of testing that is commonly performed with CFS and FM patients in order to rule out other pathophysiology or co-morbid conditions:

    Etiology and Laboratory Testing of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

    Blood tests: CBC, ESR, serum electrolytes, glucose, Calcium, RBC Mg, phosphorous, TSH, T3, protein electrophoresis screen, CRP, Ferritin, Creatinine, Rf, ANA, CPK, Liver function tests, Urinalysis.

    Brain/ cervical imaging: SPECTS scan (blood flow, glucose uptake), MRI (white/ grey matter, Chiari Malformation, phospholipis, abnormal pain processing areas).

    Neuroendocrine studies: HPA, CRH, ACTH, Cortisol 4 point salivary test.

    Neuropsychological investigation and testing: cognition, brain fog, slowed processing speed, impaired working memory, inability to multitask, poor leaning of information, depression.

    Other: Functional testing; food intolerances and allergies; oxidative stress; heavy metal toxicity, genetic testing, sleep studies.

    Additional testing depending on personal and family history: STI, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, HIV, cancer.

    Keep up-to-date on the latest research for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by read other related topics:

    Here are my FM/CFS book recommendations from fellow medical colleagues:


This website is NOT to be used as a diagnostic or treatment tool. Always consult with your Conventional Medical Doctor or Naturopathic Doctor for specific concerns. In cases of medical emergencies visit your nearest hospital or call 9-1-1.