Accurate diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome based upon objective test methods for characteristic symptoms

Table 2 Fukuda et al[19] Diagnostic Criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome

Primary symptom:

Clinically evaluated, unexplained, persistent or relapsing chronic fatigue

That is of new or definite onset; is not the result of ongoing exertion

That is not substantially alleviated by rest; and

That results in substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social, or personal activities

Secondary symptoms:

The concurrent occurrence of four or more of the following symptoms, all of which must have persisted or recurred during 6 or more consecutive months of illness and must not have predated the fatigue:

Self-reported impairment in short-term memory or concentration severe enough to cause substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social, or personal activities

Sore throat

Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes

Muscle pain

Multi-joint pain without joint swelling or redness

Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity

Unrefreshing sleep

Post-exertional malaise lasting more than 24 h