ABOUT ME
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or ME/CFS, is a devastating multi-system disease that causes dysfunction of the neurological, immune, endocrine and energy metabolism systems.
It often follows an infection and leaves 75% of those affected unable to work and 25% homebound are bedridden. An estimated 15-30 million people worldwide have ME.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a systemic neuroimmune condition characterized by post-exertional malaise (a reduction in functioning and a severe worsening of symptoms after even minimal exertion). It causes dysregulation of the immune, nervous, and energy metabolism systems. The effects of ME are devastating enough to leave 25% of patients housebound or bed bound.
ME is a spectrum disease. All people with ME experience a substantial loss of physical or cognitive functioning, but there is a wide spectrum of severity. On average, ME patients score more poorly on quality of life surveys than those with multiple sclerosis, stroke, diabetes, renal failure, lung disease, heart failure, and various cancers. It is important to keep in mind that the onset of ME can be either sudden or gradual and the intensity and frequency of milder symptoms can sometimes increase abruptly. Symptoms can fluctuate significantly from day-to-day, but the unpredictable progression of this disease is be measured in years, not weeks or months.
Prevalence
An estimated 15-30 million people around the world are suffering from ME; at least 1,000,000 Americans, 250,000 British people, 100,000 Australians, and 400,000 Canadians have ME. An estimated 75-85% of them are women and 80-90% of them are undiagnosed.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
significant physical or mental fatigue
post-exertional malaise (a reduction in functioning and a severe worsening of symptoms after even minimal exertion)
debilitating pain
sleep dysfunction
cognitive dysfunction
neurological impairment
sensory sensitivity
severe immune dysfunction.
Diagnosis
There is no single laboratory test that can diagnose ME. Patients have consistent biological abnormalities demonstrated in research settings. Many specialist physicians use these tests to aid in forming a diagnosis, although the diagnosis is at present most frequently made by excluding other conditions that cause similar symptoms and by using one of several diagnostic criteria. Due to lack of education and awareness about ME, many patients are undiagnosed or, misdiagnosed with other conditions
Treatment
There is no FDA approved treatment for ME. The CDC and other agencies acknowledge treating the disease is complicated by the unknown cause. Because many ME patients’ symptoms vary over time, specialists often suggest treatments that are highly personalized and change treatment protocols frequently.
Resources
#MEAction New Patient Support Group
ME/CFS Diagnosis and Management in Young People: A Primer
IACFS/ME Primer for Clinical Practitioners
Myalgic encephalomyelitis: International Consensus Criteria
Canadian Consensus – A Clinical Case Definition and Guidelines for Medical Practitioners