In the midst of the ME epidemic, there is still no cure. The condition is sporadic and can strike suddenly or gradually. Those diagnosed with ME often have significant loss of physical and cognitive functions. The onset of symptoms may be sudden or gradual, but a patient’s overall wellness should be measured over years, not days or weeks. In a video posted by Greg Crowhurst in 2007, Linda was bed-bound and unable to feed herself.
Unlike other diseases, there is no proven treatment for ME. However, medications and pacing have been shown to improve symptoms and function in some people with ME. Health care providers are also available to help those suffering from ME get the appropriate diagnosis and receive accommodations and assistive devices. However, doctors should not make a diagnosis before they are aware of the full extent of the condition. This can lead to further delays and misdiagnoses. Further, ME has no approved medical treatment in the United States.
ME has many symptoms, but one of the most common is fatigue. The patient may have a variety of conditions, including autonomic dysfunction, central fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. Other symptoms and signs of ME include:
ME is a multisystem disease with different biological abnormalities. It has been linked to infections of the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain stem through the body. Researchers are still determining the cause of ME and its treatment. In the meantime, treatment for the symptoms of ME is largely unproven, but it is possible to find effective treatments for the disease. Many people with ME are willing to accept a long-term treatment regimen.
ME has several different names throughout history. It has been referred to as Atypical Polio, Icelandic Disease, Benign Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Epidemic Neuromyasthenia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease. Most government agencies now refer to it as ME/CFS. In addition to the countless medical terms, there are many sources of information about ME.
The symptoms of ME/CFS can appear suddenly or slowly. There is no specific diagnostic biomarker that can diagnose the disease, although studies have identified several biological abnormalities in those suffering from the condition. These include altered immune function, abnormal post-exercise malaise, and gut bacteria. The CDC’s website has detailed information about the disease. It also provides information on how to explain symptoms to family and friends. Moreover, it also provides advice on emotional issues and where to get help.
For healthcare professionals in the UK, there is a brochure about ME/CFS. Most doctors recognize it as a disabling condition. However, it is still not a distinct clinical entity according to the World Health Organisation. Most researchers consider ME/CFS as a neurological disorder. For this reason, it is important to know the difference between the two. But in the meantime, a doctor must be able to diagnose ME/CFS accurately.