Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and debilitating condition characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and worsens with physical or mental activity. Here are some key points about ME/CFS:

Symptoms

• Severe Fatigue: Persistent and profound tiredness that is not relieved by rest.
• Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM): Worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion.
• Sleep Problems: Unrefreshing sleep, insomnia, or other sleep disturbances.
• Cognitive Difficulties: Often referred to as “brain fog,” including problems with memory, concentration, and information processing.
• Pain: Muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches.
• Orthostatic Intolerance: Symptoms that worsen upon standing or sitting upright, such as dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Other Symptoms: Sore throat, tender lymph nodes, and increased sensitivity to light, sound, and temperature.

Causes

The exact cause of ME/CFS is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including:

• Genetics: A higher likelihood of developing ME/CFS may run in families.
• Infections: Some people develop ME/CFS after viral or bacterial infections.
• Immune System Dysfunction: Abnormalities in the immune system may play a role.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Diagnosis

There is no single test to diagnose ME/CFS. Diagnosis is based on ruling out other conditions and meeting specific criteria, such as:

• Severe fatigue lasting at least six months.
• PEM and unrefreshing sleep.
• Cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance.

Treatment

There is no cure for ME/CFS, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms:

• Medications: Pain relievers, sleep aids, and medications to manage specific symptoms.
• Lifestyle Changes: Pacing activities, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing stress.
• Therapies: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) may help some patients, though these are controversial and not suitable for everyone.

ME/CFS can significantly impact daily life, but with proper management, many people find ways to improve their quality of life.

The exact cause of ME/CFS is still unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including viral infections, genetic predisposition, and immune system abnormalities. While some people with ME/CFS may have immune system irregularities, it is not considered an autoimmune condition.