What is ME?

ME (myalgia encephalitis) or chronic fatigue syndrome is a disabling disease that has finally been recognized by the World Health Organization as a disease of the nervous system. It also affects the immune and endocrine systems, even though some doctors still consider it to be all in the sufferer’s head.

The main symptoms include some or all of the following: profound, persistent and unexplained physical and mental fatigue, which reduces activity levels; malaise or fatigue after exertion; loss of mental and physical stamina; problems with sleep, including disturbances in rhythm; pain; a variety of neurological and cognitive manifestations, like memory loss; muscle weakness; autonomic nervous system problems (such as bladder dysfunction or heart palpitations); lightheadedness; abnormal body temperature; intolerance of heat and cold; tender lymph nodes; recurrent flu-like symptoms; and sensitivities to chemicals, food or medication. Several researchers believe that ME is a new variety of polio.


Back to How to Beat Your ME.