Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Chronic fatigue syndrome causes
Introduction
Overview
Overview
- The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown.
- Some theories suggest CFS may be due to:
- Epstein-Barr virus or human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6); however, no specific virus has been identified as the cause
- Inflammation in the nervous system, because of a faulty immune system response
- The following may also play a role in the development of CFS:
- Age
- Previous illnesses
- Stress
- Genetics
- Environmental factors
- CFS most commonly occurs in women ages 30 to 50.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]