A patient experiences incapacitating fatigue after minimal activity, often with fever and headaches. Which condition is this?

• A. Lymphedema
• B. Mononucleosis
• C. Systemic lupus erythematosus
• D. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Answer: (D)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This condition is defined by profound, disabling fatigue that is out of proportion to any activity and persists despite rest, often lasting many months. When a patient describes fatigue that becomes incapacitating after only minimal activity and experiences accompanying headaches and flu-like symptoms such as fever, it fits the pattern of chronic fatigue syndrome, especially if other medical causes have been ruled out. The fatigue in this syndrome tends to wax and wane and is not explained by another condition. Lymphedema is mainly swelling from lymphatic obstruction and doesn’t account for this level of fatigue. Mononucleosis can cause fatigue and fever but is typically an acute illness with prominent sore throat and lymphadenopathy. Systemic lupus erythematosus can include fatigue, but it usually comes with other specific signs such as joint pain, rashes, or organ involvement. Thus, the presentation is best explained by chronic fatigue syndrome.