A long-term condition affecting the nervous system, in which someone feels tired and depressed and has pain and weakness in the muscles.
A syndrome in which various combinations of extreme fatigue, muscle pain, lack of concentration, panic attacks, memory loss and depression occur. Its existence and causes have been the subject of a controversy that is reflected in the variety of names given to the syndrome: chronic fatigue syndrome (CES), post-viral fatigue syndrome, Royal Free disease, epidemic neuromyasthenia and Icelandic disease. Me often follows virus infections of the upper respiratory tract or gut, but it is not clear whether this is an association or cause-and-effect. It may occur in epidemics or as individual cases. Physical examination shows no evidence of diagnosable disease and there is no diagnostic test diagnosis usually being made by excluding other possible disorders. The sufferer usually recovers in time, although sometimes recovery may take many months or even years. The most severely affected may be bedridden and may need tube-feeding. There is no specific curative treatment, but symptomatic treatment such as resting in the early stages may help. Some experts believe that the illness has a psychological element, and sufferers have been treated with cognitive behaviour therapy. In 1998 the Chief Medical Officer set up a multidisciplinary working group, including patients, to consider possible cures and. treatments for ME/CFS. The report (2002) concluded that the disorder should be recognized as chronic and treatable, but there was no clear agreement on cause(s) and treatment(s). Sufferers may find it helpful to consult the ME Association.
Also known as post-viral syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome. Since a causative virus has never been found, many believe that it is not a condition as such, but a set of symptoms which can be produced by more than one causative factor. In all cases there is marked immune deficiency, resulting in depression, perpetual tiredness, debility and increased susceptibility to infectious illness.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, formerly known as chronic fatigue syndrome, is an older term used to describe a complex medical condition. Encephalomyelitis specifically denotes inflammation affecting the brain and spinal cord. This condition is characterized by persistent fatigue and various other symptoms that can significantly impact an individual’s overall well-being.