Chronic fatigue, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS, is a complex and serious long-term illness that affects many body systems. The key symptom is extreme physical and mental tiredness that doesn't improve with rest.
Diagnosing ME/CFS can be difficult as there is no specific test for it. Doctors need to rule out other possible causes for symptoms first. Requirements for diagnosis include:
In addition to fatigue, common symptoms include:
"I struggled with fatigue and brain fog for years before being diagnosed with ME/CFS. Finding the right treatment has been life-changing"
The exact causes of ME/CFS are still unknown but may involve:
There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for ME/CFS itself, only medications to help manage symptoms. Lifestyle changes like pacing activities, stress reduction, nutritional support and gentle exercise where possible can help improve quality of life.
Raising awareness and research funding for ME/CFS is vital to help improve diagnosis rates and pave the way for much-needed treatment advances. Overcoming the misunderstandings and skepticism surrounding the illness will also enable better medical care and support for the millions of people affected globally.