ME is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other conditions. However, medical professionals often use several diagnostic criteria to make the right diagnosis. These include a patient’s fatigue, difficulty with concentration, and physical activity. If symptoms persist for at least three months, doctors may consider ME as a possible diagnosis. However, ME is not an easy illness to live with, and it can take a lot of patience to overcome the difficulties associated with this condition.
The treatment for ME varies according to symptoms and severity. Patients with severe ME may require antidepressants to reduce the muscle pains, while those with milder symptoms may benefit from physiotherapy. In addition to medication, patients may also need to change their diet. GPs may prescribe paracetamol and ibuprofen to alleviate pain. If these fail to bring relief, patients may need to see a pain specialist.
While it may be difficult to diagnose ME without any medical history, it is important to seek appropriate treatment. In the UK, most medical professionals accept the diagnosis of ME/CFS as a disabling disorder. There is no definitive cure for ME, but treatment for ME can stabilize symptoms and improve quality of life. Symptoms may also be accompanied by other medical conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome.
Research into the causes of ME is ongoing. It is believed that certain viruses can cause or trigger the condition. The Epstein-Barr virus and other herpes viruses are common triggers. Other infectious agents such as gastroenteritis, Hepatitis A and B infections, and the Ross River virus in Australia have also been implicated.
The US Institute of Medicine recently recommended a new name for ME and a new clinical definition for SEID. This report also highlighted future research priorities and called for innovative biomedical research. However, this report has been met with mixed response. However, it is clear that the public does not accept the new name for ME/CFS.
People with ME tend to feel very tired most of the time, and their symptoms vary from day to day. They may also experience cognitive or autonomic dysfunction. They may have difficulty doing everyday tasks, such as working or lifting weights. Furthermore, they may experience dizziness, weakness, and fainting. These symptoms may occur when the sufferer is lying down or rising from a position.
ME/CFS is a complex condition because it affects multiple systems of the body at the same time. These abnormalities cause profound changes in the normal physiological functions of the body. Researchers believe that the disease is caused by an injury to the limbic system, located deep in the brain above the brainstem. This region controls memory, emotion, and the autonomic nervous system. This system controls various aspects of the body, including blood pressure, digestion, sleep, and appetite.
The CDC has developed guidelines for diagnosing ME/CFS. The CDC website recommends that symptoms be assessed for frequency and severity. The symptoms must be present for at least 50% of the time in order to diagnose ME/CFS. In addition to the CDC guidelines, there are pacing leaflets that provide an introduction to ME and its symptoms. The leaflets also include guidance on how to cope with emotions.