Experiences with
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)Symptoms of ME/CFS
Common symptoms of ME/CFS include
- feeling extremely tired all the time – you may find it very hard to do daily activities
- still feeling tired after resting or sleeping
- taking a long time to recover after physical activity
- problems sleeping, such as waking up often during the night
- problems with thinking, memory and concentration
Some people with ME/CFS may also have other symptoms, including:
- muscle or joint pain
- headaches
- a sore throat
- flu-like symptoms
- feeling dizzy or sick
- fast or irregular heartbeats (heart palpitations)
The severity of symptoms can vary from day to day, or even within a day.
The symptoms of ME/CFS are similar to the symptoms of some other illnesses, so it's important to see a GP to get a correct diagnosis.
Treating ME/CFS
Treatment for ME/CFS aims to relieve the symptoms. Your treatment will depend on how the condition is affecting you
While there is currently no cure for ME/CFS, there are treatments that may help you manage the condition.
Treatments include:
- cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- energy management – where you're given advice about how to make best use of the energy you have without making your symptoms worse
- medicine to control symptoms such as pain and sleeping problems
Some people with ME/CFS will improve over time, especially with treatment.
Many people with ME/CFS will need to adapt their daily routine and pattern of activities on a long-term basis. There may be periods when your symptoms get better or worse.
Causes of ME/CFS
It's not known what causes ME/CFS, but there are a number of theories – for example, it may be triggered by an infection, or certain factors could make you more likely to develop the illness.
Suggested causes or triggers for ME/CFS include:
- viral infections, such as glandular fever
- bacterial infections, such as pneumonia
- problems with the immune system
- a hormone imbalance
- your genes – ME/CFS seems to be more common in some families
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) has a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness.
Treatments for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) include talking therapies, managing your energy levels and medicines.
It’s not clear what causes myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). Possible causes include an infection or problems with your immune system or hormones.
Related links
Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
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