remission of symptoms
Disappearance of the signs and symptoms of a disease. When this happens, the disease is said to be “in remission.” A remission can be temporary or permanent.
relapse of symptoms
The return of signs and symptoms of a disease after a patient has enjoyed a remission.
research
The methodical investigation into a subject in order to discover facts, to establish or revise a theory, or to develop a plan of action based on the facts discovered.
restless leg syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is a sleep disorder characterized by leg discomfort during sleep, which is only relieved by frequent movements of the legs.
rheumatologist
A doctor who specizlizes in the branch of medicine dealing with the study and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
Secondary Fibromyalgia
Secondary Fibromyaglia is found in association with another condition, i.e. Lupus, or Fibromyaglia following a tragic event (car accident, etc.)
shortness of breath
Breathlessness, difficulty breathing. CFS patients may have shortness of breath as a symptom, especially during a flare.
short-term memory impairment
Short term memory loss. See “Fibro Fog”.
sick
Ill; affected by an illness.
skin sensations
Another symptom of CFS. Weird feelings on the skin: itching, tingling, numbness.
Social Security Disability
Federal program that provides financial assistance to people with disabilities who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
sore throat
Pain in the throat. Sore throat may be caused by many different causes, including inflammation of the larynx, pharynx, or tonsils. One of the main symptoms of CFS is sore throat.
stabbing pain
Fibromyalgia patients will often refer to their pain as “stabbing pain”; sharp.
stiff joints
See “morning stiffness”.
stress
A person’s physical and emotional reaction to external events taking place around us and within us. Studies have shown that there are actual physical changes occurring in our bodies when we are stressed.
substantial impairment
A considerable weakening or effectiveness of something. For example, CFS & FM patients often have a substantial impairment with short-term memory and energy.
swollen lymph glands
The enlargement of one or more lymph nodes.
swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes can become swollen from infection, inflammatory conditions, an abscess, or cancer. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are rare. The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection.
sympathetic nervous system
The part of the autonomic nervous system that is active during stress or danger and is involved in regulating pulse and blood pressure, dilating pupils, and changing muscle tone.
symptom
An indication of illness felt by patient: an indication of a disease or other disorder, especially one experienced by the patient.
syndrome
A group of signs and symptoms that together are characteristic or indicative of a specific disease or other disorder0
tender lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are glands that play an important part in your body’s defense against infection. When the lymph nodes are swollen, they become sore. CFS patients have tender lymph nodes.
tender point
Fibromyalgia causes generalized soreness or pain spread over many places in the body. When touched even lightly, a body part might feel very tender. These hypersensitive spots are called tender points. Tender points hurt where they are touched, but do not cause pain elsewhere. They often occur in pairs with a matching tender point on both the right and left side of the body. In FM, tender points can occur anywhere, however the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has identified 18 tender points that are most consistent among fibromyalgia patients. These 18 points are helpful in the diagnosis of FM and in fact, 11 out of 18 points are necessary to be included in a scientific study involving fibromyalgia patients. A specific amount of pressure (4 kg, or about 9 pounds, per unit area of force) must be applied when testing tender points. Pressing with a thumb until the fingernail blanches white produces the correct force. A special instrument called a doliometer can measure the pressure with greater accuracy.
tingling sensations
Abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but are often felt in your hands, feet, arms, or legs. Numbness, tingling.
trigger point
A tight band in muscle or supporting structures, such as skin, ligaments, and fascia (tough linings that support and separate internal body parts). Trigger points are often described as lumps, bumps or ropes. When compressed, these points can make a muscle jump or twitch. Pain from a trigger point can be experienced at the site of the trigger or referred to a distant part of the body. Trigger point activity can be continuous or just occur when touched. Even when it is not actively painful though, a trigger point causes trouble. The tight contraction squeezes blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves causing symptoms that might not be recognized as coming from a trigger point.
viral infection
Infection caused by the presence of a virus in the body. Depending on the virus and the person’s state of health, various viruses can infect almost any type of body tissue, from the brain to the skin. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics; in fact, in some cases the use of antibiotics makes the infection worse. The vast majority of human viral infections can be effectively fought by the body’s own immune system, with a little help in the form of proper diet, hydration, and rest. As for the rest, treatment depends on the type and location of the virus, and may include anti-viral or other drugs.
virus
A submicroscopic parasitic particle of a nucleic acid surrounded by protein that can only replicate within a host cell. Viruses are not considered to be independent living organisms.
visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain)
Abnormalities of sight. CFS & FM patients may have visual disturbances as a symptom.
weak
Lack of strength.
weight gain
Gaining weight.
weight loss
Loss of weight.
wellbeing
a contented state of being happy and healthy.
yuppie-flu
This is what CFS was initially referred to in the 1980s. It was considered a psychosomatic illness restricted to members of the young middle and upper classes.
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