Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also called chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS, is a long-term condition with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness. ME/CFS can affect anyone, including children.
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Is Me classed as a disability?
In this leaflet we examine illness severity, explain how Myalgic Encephalopathy/ Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is officially recognised as a disability, and provide a useful disability rating scale.
How long does chronic fatigue syndrome last?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and that can’t be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn’t improve with rest.
Does chronic fatigue syndrome get worse with age?
Symptoms are usually most severe in the first year or two. Thereafter, the symptoms typically stabilize, then persist chronically, wax and wane or improve. For some people with ME/CFS, however, symptoms can get worse over time.
Is me a physical or mental illness?
This controversial illness is sometimes presented as a psychosomatic disorder that requires psychological treatment. However, there is no compelling evidence that ME/CFS is a mental health condition and increasing evidence shows it is a biological disease with a range of complex symptoms.
Does me shorten your life?
It should be noted that individuals with ME and CFS are reportedly dying at a younger age compared to the overall population. However, only all-cause and cardiovascular-related mortality reached statistical significance. The all-cause mean age of death for this sample was 55.9 years.
IS ME and fibromyalgia the same thing?
And here’s something that muddies the waters: FMS and ME/CFS are very similar, yet fibromyalgia is still classified as a syndrome, while ME/CFS (which has the word “syndrome” in its name) is officially recognized as a disease.
Do vitamins help chronic fatigue syndrome?
Conclusions. Treatment with a vitamin and mineral supplement could be a safe and easy way to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with CFS.
Can chronic fatigue syndrome be cured?
There is no cure or approved treatment for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, some symptoms can be treated or managed. Treating these symptoms might provide relief for some patients with ME/CFS but not others.
Can chronic fatigue be cured?
There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome. Treatment focuses on symptom relief. The most disruptive or disabling symptoms should be addressed first.
What mimics chronic fatigue syndrome?
Similar Medical Conditions
A number of illnesses have been described that have a similar spectrum of symptoms to CFS. These include fibromyalgia syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, neurasthenia, multiple chemical sensitivities, and chronic mononucleosis.
Is fibromyalgia the same as chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic pain and fatigue are common symptoms of both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. The difference is that, in fibromyalgia, fatigue often takes a backseat to debilitating muscle pain. In chronic fatigue syndrome, people have an overwhelming lack of energy, but also can experience some pain.
Can you get disability for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are able to work and have a job that is flexible and meets their needs. However, if you have CFS and are unable to work, you can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) .
Does me get worse with age?
Most people with ME/CFS will improve over time, especially with treatment, although some people do not make a full recovery. It’s also likely there will be periods when your symptoms get better or worse. Children and young people with ME/CFS are more likely to recover fully.
Is me hereditary or genetic?
ME/CFS is not directly inherited, and its appearance in families isn’t predictable. Rather, it involves a genetic predisposition, meaning your genetics set you up for a greater possibility of ME/CFS in the presence of other factors.
Does me show up in a blood test?
There are currently no diagnostic tests for ME/CFS. To test whether they could use ATP consumption to identify individuals with ME/CFS, a team led by Dr. Ron Davis at Stanford University developed a technique called a nanoelectronics assay that can measure the electrical responses of cells in real time.
Does me cause weight loss?
Basic information from the ME Association
It is not unusual for weight changes to occur in ME/CFS and you may find that you lose weight in acute phases of the illness, or if your appetite is not so good, you feel sick, or because of the effort of eating.
How long does it take to recover from me?
‘Overall, there is wide variation in the duration of illness with some people recovering in less than two years while others remain ill after several decades. Those who have been affected for several years seem less likely to recover; full recovery after symptoms persist for more than five years is rare. ‘
Is CFS an autoimmune disease?
Some researchers have found evidence suggesting ME/CFS is, at least in part, an autoimmune disease. A few different targets of a misfiring immune system have been suggested.
What are usually the first signs of me?
Some people with ME/CFS may also have:
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits.
- A sore throat that happens often.
- Digestive issues, like irritable bowel syndrome.
- Chills and night sweats.
- Allergies and sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, light, or noise.
- Muscle weakness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Irregular heartbeat.
Can I test myself for fibromyalgia?
You could call fibromyalgia a copycat condition. Its main symptoms — widespread pain and fatigue — are a lot like those of other health problems. And there’s no test or scan that can diagnose fibromyalgia, so it can be hard for your doctor to nail down what’s causing your aches and pains.