By Kristina Symes
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, is a little-understood, female-biased illness. It is estimated that up to 90% of people with the condition go diagnosed and about 25% of sufferers are severely ill. In recognition of the profound physical and psychological impact this disease has on its victims, August 8th has been designated as a Severe ME Awareness Day.
WHAT IS MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS (ME)?
The disease is best known for a state of extreme and unremitting fatigue. A range of additional symptoms may suggest the presence of an infectious disease: myalgia, nausea, cognitive disturbance, “flu-like” symptoms, sore throat, palpitations, headache, and insomnia. In severe cases of ME, the patient may be bed-ridden and lose the ability to do the simplest of tasks, such as boil eggs for lunch or feed themselves.
DIAGNOSING ME
Although outbreaks of possible ME have been recorded since 1955, and several studies have suggested a viral or bacterial etiology, a lack of coherent understanding of etiology and pathogenesis makes the diagnosis of ME particularly difficult. Symptoms may persist for years and patients in general practice settings may be sent from one specialist to another until all other potential disorders (notably Lyme disease) are discounted. Since most patients with ME are ultimately referred to Infectious Diseases specialists, GIDEON lists the condition in its database, allowing clinicians to run a side-by-side comparison with similar diseases.
Treatment to improve the quality of life of ME patients demands significant changes in lifestyle, such as creating a quiet, environment to help reduce the effects of hypersensitivity.
There is currently no known cure for this condition. A variety of drugs are currently under review, including Metformin and Momordica charantia extract. Newer diagnostic techniques include a nanoelectronics-blood-based diagnostic biomarker.
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Originally published at gideononline.com
