It's Not Just Chronic Fatigue

Sometimes referred to simply as 'chronic fatigue', there is nothing simple about myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)

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Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is as complex as its name is difficult to pronounce. It's sometimes referred to as simply "chronic fatigue," but this is just one of its symptoms. In fact, ME/CFS is a complex neurological disease—recognized by the World Health Organization—that affects nearly every system in the body.

The name refers to muscle pain (myalgia), inflammation of the brain (encephalomyelitis), and a profound, disabling fatigue that rest can't relieve. However, the illness's complexity—and its disproportionate impact on women—means ME/CFS has often been incorrectly labeled as a psychological disorder.

What is ME/CFS?

ME/CFS affects people of all ages but is most commonly diagnosed in middle age. It is two to three times more common in women than men. While the exact cause is unknown, ME/CFS is commonly triggered by an infection.

The condition has two core symptoms: a disabling, long-lasting fatigue that rest doesn't relieve, and a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion. This is known as post-exertional malaise. It means even slight exertion can make symptoms much worse, and take much longer than expected to recover.

This varies between people, but could mean simply having a shower or attending a social event triggers worse symptoms, either immediately or days later.

These symptoms include pain, sleep issues, cognitive difficulties (such as thinking, memory and decision-making), flu-like symptoms, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, heart rate fluctuations, and many more.