Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, chronic, debilitating disease characterized by profound fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sleep abnormalities, autonomic manifestations, pain, and other symptoms that are made worse by exertion of any sort (Post-Exertional Malaise).
Common Symptoms
Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) - a crash after physical or mental effort
Profound fatigue not improved by rest
Unrefreshing sleep
Cognitive impairment (brain fog)
Orthostatic intolerance
Causes & Triggers
- Viral infections (EBV, Enteroviruses)
- Immune system dysfunction
- Cellular energy (mitochondrial) dysfunction
- Physical or emotional trauma
Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis based on criteria such as the Institute of Medicine (IOM) criteria or the Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC). It requires the presence of PEM, unrefreshing sleep, profound fatigue, and either cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance for at least 6 months.
Treatment Approaches
Strict pacing to prevent PEM
Treating orthostatic intolerance and dysautonomia
Sleep management
Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)
Mitochondrial support supplements
Not Sure Where to Start?
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Research & Sources
Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Redefining an Illness
Institute of Medicine (US)View Source
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Clinical Working Case Definition
Journal of Chronic Fatigue SyndromeView Source