Chronic Fatigue Syndrome       What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome First, the Institute of Medicine panel recommended that the illness of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome be renamed “systemic exertion intolerance disease,” a term that reflects what patients, clinicians and researchers all agree is a core symptom: a sustained depletion of energy after minimal activity, called postexertional malaise.   Chronic fatigue syndrome is a chronic disorder that causes extreme fatigue. This fatigue is not the kind of tired feeling that goes away after you rest or an attempt for recuperative rest. Instead, it lasts a long time and limits your ability to do ordinary daily activities. Symptoms If a veteran experiences fatigue that lasts for 6 months or more, and has at least four of these other symptoms, he/she may have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Feeling unwell for more than 24 hours after physical activity Muscle pain Memory problems Headaches Pain in multiple joints Sleep problems Sore throat Tender lymph nodes Low grade fever    The Veterans Who May Be Affected: Gulf War Veterans exposed to harsh chemicals of war   [ Back ]