Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes long-term tiredness (fatigue) that affects everyday life. It does not go away with sleep or rest.
CFS is also known as ME, which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis. Myalgia means muscle pain and encephalomyelitis means inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Both terms are commonly used.
The Phil Parker Lightning Process® is campaigning to increase awareness of CFS/ME as a physical illness.
Read about peoples real life experience of Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
Chronic fatigue syndrome or ME?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is the term often used and preferred by doctors. This is because in most cases the main symptom is chronic fatigue. Also, with CFS there is little evidence that inflammation of the brain and spinal cord occurs, as it does with ME. ME is thought to be too specific to cover all the symptoms.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is often the preferred term of people who have CFS. This is because they feel 'fatigue' is too general, and does not reflect the severity and different types of fatigue. They also feel that even though fatigue occurs in most cases, it is not the only symptom people experience.
Symptoms of CFS / ME
Fatigue is mental as well as physical. Some people describe it as overwhelming. You may feel that:
The main symptom is Fatigue
- It is a different type of tiredness from what you have experienced before.
- After sleeping you do not feel refreshed.
- It is not due to exhaustion.
- It is not simply a loss of motivation, which people with depression often experience.
- muscular pain, joint pain and severe headaches
- poor short-term memory and concentration
- difficulty organising your thoughts and finding the right words
- painful lymph nodes (small glands of the immune system)
- stomach pain and other problems similar to irritable bowel syndrome, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and nausea
- sore throat
- sleeping problems, such as insomnia and disturbed sleep
- sensitivity or intolerance to light, loud noise, alcohol and certain foods
- psychological difficulties, such as depression, irritability and panic attacks
- less common symptoms, such as dizziness, excess sweating, balance problems and difficulty controlling body temperature
Read about Fibromyalgia