US Medical Term · conditions
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Síndrome de Fatiga Crónica (EM/SFC)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) |
| Spanish (Español) | Síndrome de Fatiga Crónica (EM/SFC) |
| Chinese (中文) | 慢性疲勞症候群 |
| Korean (한국어) | 만성피로증후군 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Hội chứng mệt mỏi mãn tính |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Chronic Fatigue Syndrome |
| Portuguese (Português) | Síndrome de Fadiga Crônica |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | กลุ่มอาการอ่อนเพลียเรื้อรัง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 慢性疲労症候群 |
What it means
Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, long-term condition characterized by extreme fatigue that is not improved by rest and worsens significantly with physical or mental activity—a hallmark called post-exertional malaise. Other symptoms include unrefreshing sleep, cognitive difficulties (brain fog), dizziness on standing, and widespread pain. The cause is unknown but often follows an infection. It can severely limit a person's ability to work, attend school, or perform daily activities. There is no cure and no approved treatment, but symptom management through pacing, sleep strategies, and careful activity management can help prevent worsening.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have chronic fatigue syndrome and even simple tasks leave me exhausted for days.
Tengo síndrome de fatiga crónica y hasta las tareas simples me dejan agotado durante días.
My ME/CFS causes such severe brain fog that I cannot concentrate or remember simple things.
Mi EM/SFC causa tal niebla mental que no puedo concentrarme ni recordar cosas simples.
I need help managing my energy to avoid post-exertional crashes from my chronic fatigue syndrome.
Necesito ayuda para manejar mi energía y evitar recaídas por esfuerzo debido a mi síndrome de fatiga crónica.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
G93 Other disorders of brainRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026