A newly developed blood test is highly accurate at diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It offers the first objective method for identifying the condition, which is estimated to affect 17 to 24 million people worldwide.
Related: These 8 Diseases Have Fatigue As the Main Symptom
In a study led by the University of Oxford, researchers examined test results from 61 individuals diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, 21 with multiple sclerosis, and 16 with no known health issues. The results, published in the journal Advanced Science, indicate that the new test boasts an accuracy rate of 91%. Furthermore, it can discriminate between mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of the illness in 84% of cases.
Chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis is currently difficult, with an estimated 9 out of 10 patients suffering from the ailment being unaware of their condition. Self-reporting symptoms, taking out questionnaires, and depending on other subjective assessments are all part of the current diagnostic strategy.
The authors wrote that the latest test employs artificial intelligence to examine laser-induced vibrations in a single blood cell, utilizing Raman spectroscopy, a technology capable of probing individual cells.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and debilitating medical condition marked by profound and persistent fatigue that does not respond to rest or sleep. This fatigue is often accompanied by a range of other symptoms, including:
The exact origin of chronic fatigue syndrome is still unknown, and it can be difficult to diagnose due to the lack of specific laboratory testing or physical signs. The presence of certain symptoms and the exclusion of other medical disorders that could explain these symptoms are often used to make a diagnosis.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, and currently, there is no recognized cure for it. Treatment focuses on symptom management and general well-being by combining lifestyle changes, symptom-specific drugs, and therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET). Each patient's experience with chronic fatigue syndrome is unique, and treatment strategies are frequently adjusted to their specific requirements.
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People suffering from this condition may find themselves bedridden for varying durations, which can disrupt their ability to work, attend school, or participate in family activities. It's worth mentioning that around 70% of those with chronic fatigue syndrome are female, and about 75% of cases are preceded by some form of infection.
In their report, the scientists mentioned that the newly devised test might be valuable in distinguishing between conditions with overlapping symptoms, such as fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and long COVID.
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