You also might find neurologic problems in these kids, Dr. Bell told the medical professionals present. Cognitive dysfunction, balance disorders, parasthenia and dizziness are common. Pain can also be a part of CFS for many children, he said. I think it s the same illness, said Dr. Bell. Sensitivities help in diagnosis Sensitivities are also common in pediatric CFS, he noted.
Many kids are sensitive to light, noise, odor, drugs, temperature changes and foods.
This does not happen in hypochondriasis, he noted, and can be used to rule that out. The biggest difficulty in pediatric CFS may be the emotional toll it takes, he said. Children get confused when they re sick with an illness like CFS, said Dr. Bell. He spoke about kids having health identity confusion, in which they mix up who they are with why they re sick. Appropriate counseling can help, but he said that nothing takes the place of caring, supportive parents and a family doctor who believes the child and takes his or her complaints seriously.