What is ME/CFS?
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CFS/ME is a potentially severe, disabling and chronic condition. ME stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, which literally means inflammation of the muscles (myalgic), and also affects the brain (encephalo) and the central nervous system (myelitis). So every part of the body may be affected, as well as the body's immune system. CFS stands for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - but this term does not fully describe the severity or multiplicity of the symptoms.The cause is as yet unclear, but onset is linked in most cases to an acute infection, although some people experience a slow, insidious onset. There is some evidence which implicates various common viruses in the syndrome's development.
Symptoms:
The person with CFS/ME experiences a disabling, exercise induced muscle fatigue, and may also experience many (but not necessarily all) of these symptoms:
- Profound, lasting fatigue, which is not eased by rest
- Muscle and joint pain/muscle weakness, twitching
- Disturbed sleep pattern
- Flu-like symptoms
- Pins and needles, and/or numbness
- Sore throat and/or enlarged lymph glands
- Cold hands and feet (poor temperature regulation)
- Impaired memory and/or concentration
- Persistent headaches (sometimes with nausea)
- Poor co-ordination/general clumsiness
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty standing/walking
- Diarrhoea/nausea/bloating/abdominal pain
- Sensitivity to light and noise , problems with vision
- Dizziness/light headedness
Incidence:
It is estimated that at least 250,000 in the UK suffer from CFS/ME, and all age groups can be affected, although the onset is rare below the age of seven or over the age of 60. The only epidemiological survey carried out in the UK suggests a prevalence of around seven per 10,000 children.