There is currently no FDA-approved test to diagnose ME, so finding a proper diagnosis takes time. In fact, most people with the disorder battle for years to be correctly diagnosed. As a result, about 90 percent of people with ME are not diagnosed or treated properly. They are often misdiagnosed with other diseases or told they are not sick. Unfortunately, this is not the only problem associated with the disease. If you suspect you have ME, get screened and get treatment as soon as possible.
Because ME is multi-systemic, it affects different bodily systems. Inflammation of the vagus nerve, which extends from the brain stem to many organs, may be the cause of ME. However, further research is necessary to fully understand what triggers this condition. The disease is also known to occur in both epidemic and sporadic forms. Some studies suggest that some infections can trigger the symptoms of ME. The Epstein-Barr virus, which causes shingles and chickenpox, has been implicated in ME, as well as enteroviruses. Hepatitis A, B and C, and the Ross River virus are also suspected causes.
Although the underlying causes of ME are not fully understood, there is a growing body of evidence supporting a link between exercise and the onset of symptoms. The disease is characterized by significant fluctuations in the patient’s overall health, including their ability to perform everyday activities. The hallmark symptom of ME is post-exertional malaise, which occurs immediately after physical or cognitive exertion. For some, this can be a life-threatening condition that may result in bed-boundity.
ME and CFS are very similar, but there are differences between the two illnesses. Despite these similarities, the two conditions have different histories and symptoms. Most healthcare systems, healthcare professionals, and charities use the term ME/CFS interchangeably. The World Health Organisation records ME/CFS separately, and the two diseases are considered neurological illnesses. There is no known cure for ME/CFS. It is believed that between four and ten percent of the population is affected.
Despite the fact that the disease has several causes, there are no biomarkers that can help diagnose the illness. Instead, physicians are often able to detect it through the symptoms of a person’s condition and make a diagnosis based on those symptoms. However, if these symptoms do not occur at least fifty percent of the time, it is likely that someone has an alternative diagnosis. Fortunately, the CDC website contains detailed information on the disease and how to deal with it.
People who have ME should seek treatment and support. ME can affect anyone, and there are more than one million people in the United States diagnosed with the condition. While women are more likely to suffer from ME than men, it can affect people of any race, age, and socioeconomic status. It affects people from all walks of life, including children younger than 10. Because the disease is often not recognized by medical professionals, it is difficult to estimate the number of people living with ME.