ME: is it a genuine disease?

Abstract

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a postviral syndrome whose dominant clinical features are exercise-induced muscle fatigue, disturbances in cognitive functioning and symptoms of overactivity of the autonomic nervous system. The syndrome tends to affect previously fit young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 but no age group is excluded. One recent epidemiological survey suggested a prevalence rate of 1.3 per 1000 adults, with females outnumbering males by 1.8:1. ME is currently the subject of intense medical (and media) debate, especially over its pathophysiology and management. It has also become known as the postviral/chronic fatigue syndrome (PVFS/CFS).