What
is ME/CFS?
ME
stands for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, which means an illness which effects
the brain, the muscles and the nervous tissues.
ME is a form of CFS ( Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ). However since 1986 CFS
has been widely used in place of ME, thus there is considerable confusion
about the name of the illness. In the States is it also known as PVFS
(Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome) or CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficient
Syndrome).
What are the symptoms?
People with ME/CFS are much more than just tired. It is a long term illness with many disturbing and painful symptoms, including:
- extreme fatigue brought on by minimal physical or mental activity, and not improved by rest
- substantial impairment in short-term memory and concentration
- unrefreshing sleep and insomnia
- muscle and joint pain
- muscle twitching
- dizziness and balance problems
- low temperature
for extensive list of symptoms see Dr. Jay Goldstein's Symptom Checklist