The CDC on CFS
In the past I have been sharply critical of the CDC and its attitude about chronic fatigue syndrome. Funds were diverted from CFS to other projects within the CDC and the backing of the agency, which still remains the bottom line for a disease’s validity, was never there. It was trivialized and ignored.
Perhaps it was the grassroots efforts of the victims of CFS. Perhaps it was the associations that represent all of the afflicted people. Maybe it was just a stroke of good luck. I would like to think it was because the officials within the CDC realized the error of their ways and are doing what they can to make amends.
Whatever the reason, the CDC is now taking information about CFS to the people. They are educating people who may be ill and not realize they should seek a physician for this condition. They are bringing awareness to the American public. They are also destroying myths and educating people on the little known facts about chronic fatigue syndrome.
The “Miami Herald,” recently reported that the once lax CDC (about CFS) is now acknowledging CFS for the disabling disease that is. To that end, they have listed five things they believe the general public does not know, and needs to know, about this mysterious and insidious disease that affects over one million Americans, Considering 80% of those people are undiagnosed, this is information that should be read and understood by all.
5 Things You Didn’t Know about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
New Drug Seeks Approval For Fibromyalgia Treatment
Fibromyalgia is an interesting disease. It is qualified by not being something else, and a person is diagnosed with it by the proof of them not having another disease. It is often not taken seriously because of this and few drugs are FDA approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. (There are many drugs used to treat the condition, but they are medications approved for other purposes, that for some reason work with fibromyalgia.) The drug that is currently seeking approval is Milnacipran.
Milnacipran is what is known as a “dual reuptake inhibitor,” which makes it similar to SSRI medications such as Prozac and Zoloft but with an enhanced function of working with two transmitters rather than just the one. (Norepinephrine and serotonin) Trials have shown that patients treated with Milnacipran have shown improvement in the classic fibromyalgia symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction.
Few medications have been approved for use for fibromyalgia, and incidentally chronic fatigue syndrome, a related condition. Approval could mean hope for relief for millions of Americans as well as increasing awareness and validity to this disease that is very misunderstood.