Myalgic encephalomyelitis
Evidence: Unconfirmed
Names
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Systemic exertion intolerance disease
Description
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, more commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome, is a disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that interferes with completing normal, daily activities.
To date, there is no convincing evidence that ME is caused by an autoimmune mechanism. We include it on our website because we believe the condition is real, but needs additional study to determine its cause.
The term “fatigue” is a misnomer. Healthy individuals may describe themselves as “fatigued” even when they can still perform normal tasks. The level of “fatigue” experienced by individuals with CFS is debilitating and prevents them from performing normal tasks like dressing and eating when the disease is flaring.
Patient Groups
Bloggers
Prevalence
US cases: 700,000 - 14,000,000 [Garner 2015]. This large range represents the full range of estimates, with the low-end based on clinically diagnosed cases and the high-end based on self-diagnosis. The range for clinically diagnosed cases ranges from 700,000 to 4 million. The range for self-diagnosed cases ranges from 7 million to 14 million.
Typical Age of onset
Can occur at any age but commonly affects people ages 40-50
Symptoms
Severe fatigue that is not improved by rest
Sleep problems
Post-exertional malaise (PEM), where symptoms get worse after physical or mental activity
Problems concentrating
Pain
Dizziness
References
Updated Dec. 2022
