What caused Gulf War Syndrome?
What are the possible causes of Gulf War syndrome? Possible causes include: Chemical warfare agents, particularly nerve gas, or pyridostigmine bromide, which was given as a preventive measure to soldiers likely to be exposed to chemical warfare agents. Psychological factors, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
How do you get diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome?
Currently, there is no single test to diagnose ME/CFS. Doctors make a diagnosis by excluding all other illnesses after a person has had symptoms continually for six months. The person’s results from routine medical tests will often be normal, but additional tests will show abnormalities.
What is the best treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Doctors may first recommend trying over-the-counter pain-relievers, like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. If these do not provide enough pain relief, patients may need to see a pain specialist. People with chronic pain, including those with ME/CFS, can benefit from counseling to learn new ways to deal with pain.
What exercise is good for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Set realistic goals. Once you’ve regained your strength, start aerobic exercises for short periods of time — a few minutes on a treadmill or a walk to the curb and back. Pocinki says to do what you can. For many CFS patients, having the strength for daily tasks is goal enough.
How does the VA rate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
The VA disability ratings for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 100% all dependent on the severity and other factors of your symptoms. Your VA rating for chronic fatigue syndrome will be higher the worse, or more severe, your symptoms are.
Is asthma a Gulf War presumptive?
3.317. If signs or symptoms have been medically attributed to a diagnosed (rather than undiagnosed) illness, the Persian Gulf War presumption of service connection does not apply. In the evidence of record, service medical records are devoid of findings, treatment, or diagnosis for asthma.
Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome same as fibromyalgia?
Chronic pain and fatigue are common symptoms of both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The difference is that, in fibromyalgia, fatigue often takes a backseat to debilitating muscle pain. In chronic fatigue syndrome, people have an overwhelming lack of energy, but also can experience some pain.
Can Gulf War Syndrome be passed down?
Gulf War illness causes harm to the body. “If DNA that is damaged or mutated comes from the sperm or eggs then it is possible for it to be passed on to children,” he said. “We found veterans with Gulf War illness had greater mitochondrial DNA damage than those without.
Does chronic fatigue syndrome affect the eyes?
People with CFS consistently report having trouble focussing on images, eye strain, vision-related headaches, slow eye movements and tracking moving objects, in addition to hypersensitivity to light and dry eye.
What are the Gulf War presumptive illnesses?
And you have one of these presumptive diseases:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Other undiagnosed illnesses, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, and headaches.
Is Chronic Fatigue a disability?
Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are able to work and have a job that is flexible and meets their needs. However, if you have CFS and are unable to work, you can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) .
Does CFS weaken your immune system?
People with CFS sometimes have weakened immune systems, but doctors don’t know whether this is enough to cause the disorder. People with CFS can also sometimes have abnormal hormone levels.
Is fibromyalgia presumptive Gulf War?
As a result, fibromyalgia is a presumptive condition for Gulf War veterans, meaning veterans do not have to prove that their fibromyalgia and their military service are linked.
Does CFS shorten your life?
It should be noted that individuals with ME and CFS are reportedly dying at a younger age compared to the overall population. However, only all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality reached statistical significance. The all-cause mean age of death for this sample was 55.9 years.
How do I know if I have Gulf War Syndrome?
Undiagnosed illnesses with symptoms that may include but are not limited to: abnormal weight loss, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, headache, menstrual disorders, neurological and psychological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders, and sleep disturbances.
Does the VA recognize Gulf War Syndrome?
VA has recognized medically unexplained illnesses (popularly called “Gulf War Syndrome”) and certain infectious diseases as associated with military service in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations.
What is the best diet for chronic fatigue syndrome?
A diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, avoiding saturated fats and refined carbohydrates—like the Mediterranean Diet—is reported by many people with ME/CFS to be helpful. Eat several small meals throughout the day. For example, three meals and three snacks might help keep energy levels up.
What triggers chronic fatigue syndrome?
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, although there are many theories — ranging from viral infections to psychological stress. Some experts believe chronic fatigue syndrome might be triggered by a combination of factors. There’s no single test to confirm a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Is sleep apnea a presumptive condition for Gulf War veterans?
Currently, sleep apnea is not a presumptive condition, so Veterans must file a claim on an individual basis if they are seeking disability compensation and/or increased health care eligibility. VA encourages Veterans who are concerned about possible sleep apnea to discuss it with their primary care provider.
What are the symptoms of Desert Storm Syndrome?
The symptoms reported by veterans include but are not limited to:
- Fatigue.
- Persistent Headaches.
- Muscle Aches/Pains.
- Neurological Symptoms – e.g. tingling and numbness in limbs.
- Cognitive Dysfunction – short-term memory loss, poor concentration, inability to retain information.
Why are my eyes so tired and blurry?
Reasons why your eyes may go blurry at night can include: You are tired so your visual system is fatigued. You have a refractive error such as long-sightedness or astigmatism. During the day, you may be able to compensate for these, but when your eyes are tired, your vision can go blurry.
Does tiredness affect vision?
Lack of sleep or fatigue contributes to poor vision. Difficulty focusing and other eye conditions that can result from less than 5 hours of sleep are eye spasms, dry eyes, and irritated eyes.
How do you qualify for Gulf War Syndrome?
However, to be eligible for benefits for “Gulf War Syndrome,” you must receive a 10 percent disability rating or higher. A rating of 30 percent or higher qualifies you for additional benefits for any dependent living in your home (e.g., spouse, children, dependent parents).