CFS Symptoms and Daily Living Flashcards
6 cards from real CFS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CFS Symptoms and Daily Living flashcards as text
Which symptom is considered the hallmark of CFS that distinguishes it from general fatigue?
Answer: Post-exertional malaise (PEM)
Post-exertional malaise, where symptoms worsen significantly after physical or mental exertion, is the defining hallmark of CFS.
What is 'orthostatic intolerance' commonly experienced by CFS patients?
Answer: Worsening symptoms when upright or standing
Orthostatic intolerance refers to symptoms that worsen when a person stands or sits upright, often improving when lying down.
How long must debilitating fatigue persist before a CFS diagnosis is typically considered in adults?
Answer: 6 months
CFS is generally diagnosed when debilitating fatigue has been present for at least 6 months and is not explained by other conditions.
Which cognitive symptom commonly described by CFS patients is sometimes called 'brain fog'?
Answer: Cognitive impairment affecting memory and concentration
'Brain fog' in CFS refers to cognitive impairment including difficulty with memory, concentration, and information processing.
What sleep-related issue do many CFS patients paradoxically experience despite feeling exhausted?
Answer: Unrefreshing sleep despite adequate duration
CFS patients often experience unrefreshing sleep, meaning they wake up still feeling exhausted even after a full night's rest.
Which sensory sensitivity is frequently reported by people with CFS?
Answer: Hypersensitivity to light, sound, or smell
Many CFS patients develop hypersensitivities to sensory stimuli such as light, noise, and odors, which can trigger symptom flares.