Knowra Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic illness marked by substantial functional impairment and post-exertional malaise, often with unrefreshing sleep, cognitive impairment, or orthostatic intolerance.
Post-exertional malaise : A worsening of symptoms after physical, cognitive, or emotional exertion, often delayed and prolonged. It is the defining symptom pattern that distinguishes ME/CFS from ordinary fatigue.
Chronic fatigue : Persistent fatigue lasting for an extended period and affecting ordinary activities. Fatigue is part of ME/CFS, but alone does not capture its defining symptom pattern.
Royal Free disease : An outbreak-associated illness recorded at London's Royal Free Hospital in 1955 and later linked to ME/CFS history. The outbreak shaped early descriptions of an illness resembling what is now called ME/CFS.
Diagnosis of ME/CFS : Clinical identification of ME/CFS using symptom history, functional change, and exclusion of alternative explanations. No single confirmatory test exists, so diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation.
Biomarker : A measurable biological feature used to indicate a condition, process, or response to treatment. A validated diagnostic biomarker for ME/CFS has not been established.
Orthostatic intolerance : Difficulty tolerating upright posture, with symptoms that improve when lying down. It commonly accompanies ME/CFS and can limit standing, walking, and daily activity.
Unrefreshing sleep : Sleep after which a person does not feel restored or rested. It is a common symptom and may persist despite adequate sleep duration.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis : A name for a chronic illness associated with muscle pain and neurological symptoms, historically linked to ME/CFS. This name foregrounds neurological and muscular features and remains preferred by many patients.
Pacing (activity management) : Managing activity within an individual's energy limits to reduce symptom exacerbation. Pacing aims to avoid triggering post-exertional malaise while preserving feasible activity.
Immune system : The cells, tissues, and processes that defend the body and regulate immune responses. Immune abnormalities are under investigation, but findings have not yielded a single confirmed cause.
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