1. What is ME/CFS?
ME/CFS is a non-congenital chronic multisystem disease, meaning it affects different parts of the body at the same time. Symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, abdominal pain, immunological, neurological and cognitive disorders, sleep problems, and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Patients feel exhausted and often experience limitations in daily life, ranging from social and work/study to hobbies and sports.
2. How do you recognize ME/CFS?
The most prominent symptom is Post Exertional Malaise (PEM), where even minor exertion leads to worsening symptoms and a relapse that can last from hours to months. Other symptoms include poor sleep, lack of energy, cognitive problems ("brain fog"), dizziness, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, palpitations, weakness, pain in lymph nodes, muscles and/or joints, head, throat and/or abdominal pain, fever, and hypersensitivity to certain stimuli.
3. What are possible causes?
The cause of ME/CFS is not yet clear. Doctors suspect it may be caused by a virus, bacteria or physical/psychological trauma. There is no specific treatment, but psychological help can help patients understand their limits and prevent relapses. Diagnosis is difficult because there are no specific medical tests; it is based on symptoms.
Patients often report not being taken seriously, but after recognition by the health board and increasing research, ME/CFS is better understood and recognized as a real disease.
