Often shortened to ME, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a chronic neurological condition that has no known cure. It can affect men and women of all ages and backgrounds. While no specific treatment exists, medication can help relieve some symptoms. It may also be helpful to change your lifestyle, including how you exercise and rest. This can help you feel better and improve your quality of life.
ME is an illness that causes substantial loss of physical and cognitive function. Symptoms can occur in many areas of the body, including the central nervous system, immune system, musculoskeletal system, and gastrointestinal system. Symptoms can also affect your sleep, making it difficult to get a good night’s rest.
The most common symptom is extreme fatigue, which makes it hard for people with ME to do everyday activities. People with severe ME are usually bedbound or housebound, and may need help with eating or a tube feeding. They may also experience prolonged after-effects, such as pressure sores. In addition, they can be prone to relapses, which may lead to permanent worsening of their symptoms.
There is no clear cause of ME, and it can take several years to diagnose. Most people with ME have a hard time getting a diagnosis because they are misdiagnosed as having another disease. It is also important to note that ME can run in families. This means that your risk of developing ME is increased if one of your parents has the disease. In addition, women are four times more likely to develop ME than men.
ME is a chronic illness that may be caused by a virus or infection. Studies show that about one million people in the United States have ME. Studies have shown that less than 9-16 percent of people with ME/CFS have been diagnosed properly. The diagnosis is made by using several diagnostic criteria. The new diagnostic criteria for ME include post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and substantial impairment in activity. These criteria require that the patient is experiencing extreme fatigue, has cognitive impairment, and has orthostatic intolerance.
ME can be treated with medication, but the medications that are prescribed are not intended to cure the illness. They are meant to help relieve symptoms and make the patient more comfortable. These medications may include ibuprofen, antidepressants, and paracetamol.
The most important symptom of ME is extreme fatigue. When someone experiences extreme fatigue, they are unable to perform any tasks or activities that require physical exertion. Often, they feel exhausted in the morning and wake up many times during the night. They may also experience flu-like symptoms, which are also a symptom of ME.
People with ME may also experience symptoms like muscle and joint pains, digestive problems, sleep problems, swollen glands, high anxiety, and high pain levels. These symptoms can vary from person to person, and can also be affected by other medical conditions. The exact cause of ME is unknown, but recent research suggests that inflammation of the brain may be a contributing factor.