IS ME and CFS the same thing?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness. CFS is also known as ME, which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis. Many people refer to the condition as CFS/ME.
Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome a mental illness?
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.
Can you get chronic fatigue twice?
CFS affects some people in cycles, with periods of feeling worse and then better. Symptoms may sometimes even disappear completely, which is referred to as remission. However, it’s still possible for symptoms to return later, which is referred to as a relapse.
Which is the best symptom of ME / CFS?
The best known symptom of ME/CFS is a persistent loss of energy that physicians call “fatigue.” However, the profound loss of energy experienced by ME/CFS patients is nothing like the fatigue most people experience at the end of a long day or following a strenuous workout.
Is there a laboratory test to confirm ME / CFS?
There is no laboratory test to confirm ME/CFS. Fatigue and other symptoms of ME/CFS are common to many illnesses. The illness is unpredictable and symptoms may come and go. The type, number, and severity of ME/CFS symptoms vary from person to person. When diagnosing ME/CFS in children and adolescents, it is useful to remember that:
How long does fatigue last with ME / CFS?
This drop in activity level occurs along with fatigue and must last six months or longer. People with ME/CFS have fatigue that is very different from just being tired. The fatigue of ME/CFS: Can be severe. Is not a result of unusually difficult activity. Is not relieved by sleep or rest. Was not a problem before becoming ill (not life-long).
How to diagnose ME / CFS in children and adolescents?
When diagnosing ME/CFS in children and adolescents, it is useful to remember that: Children and adolescents cannot always accurately describe their symptoms or how they feel. Parents may describe their child’s symptoms differently from how the child describes his/her symptoms.