Dynamic Transmissions Vol Three, Number 1 (July 1998)

Are you Tired? Dynamic Management for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "Fatigued!" "Bone Tired!" How often have you heard those words before? Perhaps you have mentioned it thousands of times yourself. You are not the only one. In fact fatigue is one of the most common symptoms confronting a physician. One to three percent of physician visits deal with the complaint of fatigue. Fatigue in most people can be explained by common factors such as overexertion, poor physical conditioning, inadequate quality or quantity of sleep, obesity, under nutrition, stress and emotional problems. Some diseases such as endocrine problems, heart or respiratory illnesses, infections, anemia, arthritis, and cancer along with alcoholism, drug side effects, and psychiatric conditions can produce fatigue. A minority of these people do not fit into any of these categories. The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed in 1988, has coined a new term called, "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome". So what, exactly, is this "new" entity? To be precise this is not new at all. The medical literature of the past two centuries informs us that this is not a new type of syndrome. Many of similar symptoms have been labeled in the past with diagnoses such as: vapors, neurasthenia, effort syndrome, etc. So let us try to answer a few questions about this syndrome: How do we define "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"? It is a disorder characterized by debilitating fatigue and a variety of associated physical, constitutional and neuropsychological complaints. Who is most likely to get it? Patients are twice as likely to be women and generally between 25-45 years of age. What exactly is the cause of this condition? Though many causes have been implicated in the past years, no definite proof is available. It may be triggered by viral infections, life events, brain dysfunction, sleep disorders or depression. Mild to moderate depression may be evident in two-thirds of the patients. Basically, it seems to be multifactorial in origin. What are the manifestations of this condition? The typical case occurs in a previously active individual. A flu-like illness or some acute stress is recalled as a triggering event. The patient, along with fatigue, may develop headache, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle and joint aches, and feverishness. Over several weeks other features such as disturbed sleep, difficulty in concentration and depression may be seen. Excessive physical or emotional stress may exacerbate the symptoms. What are the CDC criteria for "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"? A case of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is defined by the presence of: Clinically evaluated, unexplained, persistent or relapsing fatigue of new or definite origin - it is not due to ongoing exertion - it is not decreased with rest - it results in substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social or personal activities. Four or more of the following symptoms that persist or recur for six or more months: decrease short-term memory or concentration sore throat painful neck or ancillary nodes muscle pain multiple joint pains without redness or swelling headache unrefreshing sleep tiredness after exertion lasting for twenty-four hours or more Management for these conditions is not specific. All the correctable factors mentioned at the beginning need to be ruled out. A standard panel of blood and other tests need to be done to rule out any disease causes. Consumption of heavy meals with alcohol and caffeine at night should be avoided, because this can lead to further insomnia and exacerbate the fatigue. Total rest if harmful and give the patient an "invalid" status. So is rigorous exercise. It is useful to develop a slowly graded exercise regimen under supervision till optimal levels are reached. Engage in life activities as much as possible. Avoid unproven treatments which may be expensive and toxic to the body. Prognosis - most patient's symptoms don't progress. Many recover gradually. Full is recovery is eventually possible in most individuals. Advancements According to Dynamic Pharmacology Principles, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome affects in the Psychic, Sensorial, Metabolic and Vegetative Spheres. These four levels of manifestations were introduced by Dr. K. Oommen George, et al. at the Los Angeles International University, Samuel Hahnemann School of Medicine and its Research Laboratories. Samuel Hahnemann, MD introduced these concepts initially as Psora, Sycosis and Syphilis. We analyzed the semiology of the three distinct fundamental miasms. First, Psora, produced only functional disorders manifested by hypersensitivity, irritation leading at most to congestion and inflammation with minimum structural change. The manifestation of Psora characterize the early stages of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Allergens - term used in current literature in the place of Psora. Second manifestation is incoordination. Hahnemann, MD explained this term as Sycosis. In our research, we found that this incoordination is produced in every part of the human body. This can lead to severe fatigue and bone tiredness. Thirdly, Hahnemann, MD talked about Syphilis, this disorder produced destructive symptoms in every area of the human body. All three characterize the debilitating condition term Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Our clinical research shows that there are four spheres of the living organism: Psychic (mental, emotional and spiritual plane) Sensorial Metabolic Vegetative These four spheres will be discussed in the coming issues. Also, we noticed that parents with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome who were not treated properly have children who are prone to develop various chronic conditions and genetic hereditary disorders such as, Muscular dystrophy, weakness in muscle development, loss of balance and paralysis. In Dynamic Pharmacology (homoeopathic medicine), the treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and connected disorders such as sore throat, muscle pain, headache, decreased concentration, attention-deficit syndrome (ADD), etc. are multi-factorial. We noticed different dynamic medicine prepared according to Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia have been beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If you would like to receive more information about this, make an appointment to see our trained physicians, scientists and consultants at the Hahnemannian Research Center, Inc. In addition, one of the micro-nutritional products we manufacture at HRC Pharmaceutical Laboratories is Immuno-Compound. This product has been shown to be beneficial for the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. © Copyright 1995 Hahnemannian Research Center, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The content of this newsletter cannot be reproduced or copied without the consent of HRC, Inc.