Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating long-term medical condition. People with ME/CFS experience delayed worsening of the illness after minor physical or mental activity, which is the hallmark symptom of the illness.[10] Other symptoms are a greatly reduced ability to do tasks that were previously easy, severe fatigue that does not improve much with rest, and sleep disturbances. Further common symptoms include dizziness or nausea when sitting or standing, along with memory and concentration issues and pain.[3]
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome | |
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Other names | Post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID)[1]: 20 |
The four primary symptoms of ME/CFS according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence | |
Specialty | Rheumatology, rehabilitation medicine, endocrinology, infectious disease, neurology, immunology, general practice, paediatrics, other specialists in ME/CFS[2]: 58 |
Symptoms | Worsening of symptoms with activity, long-term fatigue, sleep problems, others[3] |
Usual onset | Peaks at 10–19 and 30–39 years old[4] |
Duration | Long-term[5] |
Causes | Unknown[6] |
Risk factors | Being female, family history, viral infections[6] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms[7] |
Treatment | Symptomatic[8] |
Prevalence | About 0.17% to 0.89% (pre-pandemic)[9] |
The cause or causes of the disease are unknown.[11] ME/CFS often starts after a flu-like infection, for instance, after mononucleosis.[12] In some people, physical trauma or psychological stress may also act as a trigger.[10]: 10 ME/CFS can run in families, but the genes that contribute to ME/CFS risk are not known.[13] ME/CFS is associated with changes in the nervous and immune systems, energy, and hormone production.[14] Diagnosis is based on symptoms because no diagnostic test is available.[7]
The severity of the illness can fluctuate over time, but full recovery is uncommon.[12] Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, as no therapies or medications are approved to treat the condition.[2]: 29 Pacing one's activities to avoid flare-ups may help manage symptoms, and counselling may aid in coping with the illness.[8] Before the COVID-19 pandemic, ME/CFS affected roughly one in every 150 people, although estimates varied widely.[9] However, many people with long COVID fit ME/CFS diagnostic criteria.[15] ME/CFS occurs more often in women than in men. It most commonly affects adults between ages 40 and 60 but can occur at other ages, including childhood.[16]
ME/CFS has a large social and economic impact. About a quarter of individuals are severely affected and unable to leave their bed or home.[10]: 3 The disease can also be socially isolating.[17] People with ME/CFS often face stigma in healthcare settings and care is complicated by controversies around the cause and treaments of the illness.[18] Clinicians may be unfamiliar with ME/CFS, as it is often not covered in medical school.[15] Historical research funding for ME/CFS has been far below that of diseases with comparable impact.[19]