Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: diagnosis from an osteopathic perspective

Abstract

Introduction. To date, there have existed different sets of symptoms of CFS/ME. Scientifi c ideas about the clinical manifestation of this disease continue to appear.Goal of research - to justify osteopathic approach in diagnostics of CFS/ME.Materials and methods. Analysis of approaches to the diagnostics of CFS/ME, osteopathic diagnostics.Results. The author describes the possible pathogenesis of CFS/ME, which may be related to the neurolymphatic changes connected with the alteration of the drainage. All of this leads to dysfunctions of the sympathetic system. Medical history of patients with CFS/ME often contains indications on spinal trauma or congenital developmental disorders of the cranium and vertebral column, which may alter the function of the lymphatic system and lead to the further central neurotoxicity through perivascular spaces. The article presents a protocol of physical signs, typical for patients with CFS/ME, and the results of diagnostics of 94 patients: 52 patients with CFS/ME and 42 non-CFS/ME controls.Conclusion. The research concluded that examining for physical signs is both quick and simple for the practitioner and may be used as an effi cient screening tool for CFS/ME.