What is M.E. / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

ME/CFS is recognised as a common disorder, which in its simplest form can be considered as a dysfunction of the brain and the brains connection with the immune system and the autonomic system. It is commonly caused or triggered by a virus infection and/or stress. It is estimated there is in excess of 150,000 people suffering with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the United Kingdom.

Possible Symptoms

General Ill Health
A constant feeling of just 'not being well' or general malaise that is very similar to how normal healthy people feel when they're about to fall ill with a bout of flu.

Muscle Fatigue
For some people, fatigue simply refers to problems associated with lack of sleep. For others, it's much more to do with failing to have enough energy to start or complete mental or physical activities. In a third group, it's more applicable to muscles, which soon become 'tired and weak'. In the case of ME/CFS, there is often a feeling of not having enough energy to carry on with normal everyday tasks. The load-bearing muscles of the legs are predominantly affected. Muscle fatigue is also made worse following prolonged mental activity and people frequently mention how they find it extremely difficult to carry out mental and physical activities at the same time.

Post-Extertional Malaise

Muscle Pain (Myalgia)
Muscle pain may be generalised throughout the body, but is more usually confined to shoulders, neck, chest and thigh muscles.

Muscle Twitching

Brain Malfunction
Brain fatigue and malfunction can become a major cause of disability in ME/CFS. Just like muscle fatigue, brain symptoms tend to fluctuate throughout the day and on a day-to-day basis. For many people, the fact that their brains have stopped functioning correctly is the most distressing feature of this illness.

Memory and concentration
People with ME/CFS frequently describe how a cloud or fog seems to descend over their brain as attention span and concentration rapidly decline. Brain malfunction also can affect speech/co-ordination as your ability to concentrate deteriorates.

Severe Headaches (of a migraine nature)

The Nervous System

Temperature Control and Night Sweats
People with ME/CFS frequently have difficulties with the control of body temperature, in particular being abnormally sensitive to any extreme of temperature.

The Heart and Blood Vessels
ME/CFS, through dysfunction of the nervous system, may affect the heart and small blood vessels.

Feeling Faint

Problems with Balance
The most constant feeling of unsteadiness experienced by many people with ME/CFS is probably caused by a disturbance in the way that both the inner ear and parts of the central nervous system help to maintain balance.

Nausea
Feeling sick and is often accompanied by a unsettled stomach.

The Ears
Abnormal noises in the ear – Tinnitus – being unable to cope with loud noise.

The Eyes
Blurring of vision; pain in and around the eyes, sensitivity to bright light.

Sore Throats

Enlarged glands.

Irritable Bowel
ME/CFS can affect each individual differently; the severity may vary from one person to another as may the symptoms. This makes it such a complex and difficult illness to understand.

ME/CFS can affect absolutely anyone, even children but it is more common in women than men.