Symptoms and Risk Factors
Symptoms
There are many symptoms associated with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). The symptoms can vary from person to person, and the severity can change from time to time. These symptoms can also be the result of other illnesses and injuries, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose ME/CFS. Many patients with ME/CFS may look normal to others, even if they suffer greatly from it.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 3 primary
symptoms:
- Severe exhaustion that greatly reduces one’s ability to do normal activities
such as work, social and school. Lasts more than 6 months. Is not a result
of unusually difficult activity. Is not relieved by sleep or rest. - Worsening of symptoms after mental or physical activities. This is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM). People with ME/CFS often describe this experience as a “crash”, “relapse”, or “collapse”. This is unique to ME/CFS. During PEM, symptoms may get worse, including difficulty thinking,problems sleeping, sore throat, headaches, feeling dizzy, or severe
tiredness. It may take days, weeks, or longer to recover from a crash.Sometimes patients may be house-bound or even completely bed-bound during crashes. People with ME/CFS may not be able to predict what will cause a crash or how long it will last. - Unrefreshing sleep. Patients typically wake up just as tired as before they went to sleep.
There is a real difference between ME/CFS and feeling tired. Pain is also very common among people suffering from ME/CFS. Other common symptoms include:
Brain fog, memory loss
Flu-like symptoms
Headaches, feverish sensation without an abnormal body temperature
Allergy to foods and chemicals, or sensitivity to sounds, noises, and light.
Unexplained muscle or joint pain, without swelling or redness
Sore throats
Digestive issues, like irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, or loss of
appetiteIrregular heart beat
Feeling dizzy, disoriented, or out of breath while trying to sit up or stand up
Night sweats, insomnia
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Risk Factors
Age: ME/CFS can occur in anyone. More common among young to middle-age adults.
Gender: Women are more commonly diagnosed with ME/CFS. However, it is possible that women are more likely to report the illness than men.