Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Gaslit Epidemic

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Millions of people suffer from persistent fatigue, only to be misdiagnosed or brushed off. Watch Dr. Kaveh's breakdown of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) to learn why the label “chronic fatigue” misses the mark. ME/CFS can affect the brain, spinal cord, immune system, and more. Learn about the diagnosis of ME/CFS and Dr. Kaveh's practical treatment approach to ME/CFS.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)?

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome isn’t just “feeling tired.” The diagnosis requires patients to have at least six months of moderate-to-severe symptoms such as:

1. Impaired daily functioning accompanied by fatigue
2. Post-exertional malaise (worsening after physical or mental stress)
3. Unrefreshing sleep

Additionally, many experience issues like lightheadedness from autonomic dysregulation, swollen lymph nodes, and significant mental “fog.” These complex symptoms often involve multiple organ systems—the nervous system, immune system, hormonal balance, cardiovascular function, and even gut health. This whole-body impact explains why so many doctors struggle to pinpoint a cause.

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

ME/CFS can be triggered by infections (e.g., COVID, EBV), physical stressors (like surgery), or severe psychological events. It’s also more common in individuals with other conditions like fibromyalgia, POTS, PTSD, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Because no single universal cause exists, doctors often miss ME/CFS or attribute symptoms to depression. The result: patients are left with inadequate treatment plans that don’t address the root of their fatigue.

A Holistic Treatment Approach to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Dr. Kaveh customizes treatment based on each patient’s “flavor” of ME/CFS. First, it’s crucial to rule out confounding factors such as anemia, thyroid issues, kidney or liver dysfunction, and side effects from medications. Depending on whether a patient struggles most with cognitive symptoms, pain, or severe post-exertional fatigue, a variety of tools can help:

1. Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): Calms an overactive fight-or-flight response, potentially beneficial for PTSD and long COVID-related fatigue.
2. IV Ketamine Therapy: Rapid relief for depression and chronic pain, which often overlap with ME/CFS. Ketamine also appears to have anti-fatigue effects beyond its antidepressant properties.
3. NAD+ Infusions or IV NR: Supports mitochondrial health and energy production for those with severe exercise intolerance and “brain fog.”
4. Genomics Testing: Identifies potential genetic predispositions to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and mitochondrial dysfunction, guiding targeted interventions.

By tailoring these approaches, patients can restore their healing capacity and minimize the number of treatments required for maximal benefit.

ME/CFS Affects More People Than We Realize

Despite earlier assumptions that ME/CFS was rare, recent data confirm it’s actually “a relatively common disease.” Women tend to be more affected than men, sometimes at a rate three times higher. Recognizing these prevalence statistics is a wake-up call to the medical community to take ME/CFS seriously, probe deeper into multi-system issues, and embrace collaborative care.

Take Charge of Your Health

If your fatigue or related symptoms have gone unexplained, you may be dealing with more than just “low energy.” Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can present in many forms, and early identification of which organs are most affected is crucial. Personalized treatments—from nerve blocks to nutritional support—can significantly improve quality of life when matched to an individual’s unique needs.

To learn more about our holistic approach, contact Clarus Health today to learn if you are a candidate for these potentially life-changing treatments.