Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
(“CFS”) is a real disorder affecting hundreds of thousands of people in North America. We have our fair share of chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers here in Ottawa as well. Often the syndrome can present itself to a victim after an accident or injury. The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not perfectly understood, though the World Health Organization classifies it as a Disease of the Nervous System. Secondary to an accident, clients will often describe to their injury lawyer the levels of fatigue they are experiencing. It is important for a person to also consult with their medical team to ensure that they are receiving the best attention possible to ensure the best possible health. Your injury lawyer can help you with your recovery to ensure that you do not lose out on what accident benefits you may be rightfully entitled to. The classification of CFS will involve several factors. Notably, a classification of CFS will entail (1) ruling out other conditions that you may suffer from and (2) it must be shown to be otherwise unexplained, relapsing fatigue that is new (i.e. you have not had this condition all your life, it is not predated fatigue); (3) that the fatigue is not the result of ongoing exertion; (4) that the fatigue is not relieved by rest; (5) and that the condition results in substantial decreases in your levels of occupational, social, educational, or personal activities.
Furthermore, to prove Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the patient must exhibit at least four of the following enumerated symptoms, which must persist for at least six months: (1) Difficulty with memory or concentration; (2) Sore throat; (3) Tender cervical (neck area) or axillary (underarm area) nodes; (4) Sleeping but not feeling rested; (5) Arthralgias (pain along the nerve of the joint) – no redness or swelling; (6) Headaches; (7) Muscle pain; (8) Post-exertional malaise, lasting more than one day. Our Ottawa injury lawyers work closely with medical professionals who specialize in chronic fatigue syndrome. We understand how difficult life can be living with this syndrome and are here to help.
