MYalgic Encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue Syndrome
What is ME/CFS?
ME/CFS is a neuro-immune disease that affects many systems in the body, including the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. ME/CFS has been nicknamed "chronic mono" because it sometimes develops after a viral infection. This also is an accurate description for many of what it is like to live with ME/CFS- everyday feels like you are getting over the flu or a similar virus. There is no known cause of the disease, but researchers speculate viruses, weakened immune systems, and hormonal imbalances could all have something to do with it.
SyMPTOMS
The names "myalgic" and "encephalomyelitis" denote two of the main characteristics and symptoms of this disease, muscle (and joint) aches and pains, and inflammation of the brain and nervous system. Currently, the diagnosis of chronic fatigue is given to those who exhibit 6 months of extreme fatigue with no known origin, but that diagnosis is very vague considering ME/CFS is more complicated than just "feeling tired". The following symptoms contribute to the debilitating nature of this disease:
- fatigue that worsens with activity, but does not improve with rest (a.k.a. Post-exertional malaise)
- inability to exercise, or "severe exercise intolerance" (for example, climbing a set of stairs could cause a patient to be bedridden for weeks)
- cognitive impairments (including forgetfulness, lack of concentration, memory loss, or confusion)
- anxiety and depression
- frequent headaches
- chronic insomnia
- muscle weakness
- sensitivity to pain or other stimuli (light, noise, etc.)
Treatment
Treatment focuses on improving quality of life since there is currently no cure. Relaxation techniques, support groups, lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and graded exercise therapy (GET) have all been used as possible therapies, although GET is becoming more discredited and even discouraged as more research is conducted and more is understood about how this disease affects those afflicted.
Illness REP |
FoundatioN, NON-PROFIT, OR CharitY |
OtHER |