Postviral fatigue syndrome
ICD-10 G93.31 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postviral fatigue syndrome.
Postviral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by profound fatigue that persists for an extended period following a viral infection. Patients often report a range of symptoms including muscle and joint pain, cognitive dysfunction, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction. The fatigue experienced is not alleviated by rest and can significantly impair daily functioning. PVFS is often associated with infections such as Epstein-Barr virus, influenza, and other viral illnesses. The pathophysiology of PVFS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve immune dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Patients may also experience symptoms consistent with other nervous system disorders, including headaches, dizziness, and orthostatic intolerance. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, relying on patient history and symptomatology, as there are no definitive laboratory tests for PVFS. Management typically focuses on symptom relief and may include cognitive behavioral therapy, graded exercise therapy, and pharmacological interventions for pain and sleep disturbances.
Detailed patient history, symptom diary, and treatment response documentation.
Patients presenting with fatigue post-viral illness, requiring differential diagnosis.
Consideration of comorbid conditions and their impact on fatigue levels.
Neurological assessments, imaging studies if indicated, and comprehensive symptom evaluation.
Patients with neurological symptoms following viral infections, requiring evaluation for autonomic dysfunction.
Differentiating from other neurological disorders that may present similarly.
Used for follow-up visits to manage symptoms of PVFS.
Document history of present illness, review of systems, and treatment plan.
Primary care providers should ensure comprehensive documentation of symptom impact.
Postviral fatigue syndrome specifically follows a viral infection, while chronic fatigue syndrome is a broader diagnosis that may not have a clear viral trigger. Both share similar symptoms, but the diagnostic criteria differ.
