pathoscribe

Written by Kirsten Batitay | Art by Maya Wen

Fatigue. This feeling is the main way our bodies tell us that we need to rest and that perhaps it’s time to lie down and succumb to sweet sleep. However, these symptoms are much more extreme in those with chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis.

As per the United States Institute of Medicine, ME/CFS is an illness characterized by extreme fatigue that causes a drop in pre-illness activities, post-exertional malaise, “unrefreshing sleep,” and either orthostatic intolerance or mental impairments, all of which must have been present for at least six months. The fatigue mentioned is also not significantly cleared by rest. Post-exertional malaise, or PEM, is a state in which symptoms worsen after doing any kind of physical or mental activity. It usually starts 12-24 hours after an activity and can last anywhere from days to weeks. Also, orthostatic interference is when you feel faint or nauseous when standing or sitting upright.  

Other symptoms of ME/CFS include issues with memory and thinking, lightheadedness, and muscle or joint pain. Given that many of its symptoms are similar to those of many other illnesses, there is no test to confirm that one has ME/CFS. This problem is worsened by the fact that the symptoms can “come and go,” or there may be changes in the severity of symptoms over time. Nevertheless, doctors conduct a thorough medical exam to differentiate ME/CFS from other illnesses. 

Although the cause of this illness is still unknown, a combination of factors may work together to cause it. These include genetics, infections, physical or emotional trauma, and problems with converting fats and sugars into energy for the body. Some risk factors are age, sex, and other medical issues. Women are more affected, and so are those who are middle-aged.

Due to the various unknowns surrounding this illness, there is currently no cure for ME/CFS, so the main focus is treating specific symptoms. This is done through medications that treat pain, depression, or orthostatic intolerance. Physical therapy and light-intensity aerobic exercise can also be undergone to improve limb and spine tightness and PEM, respectively.

To the naked eye, the ME/CFS may merely be tiredness or a weak countenance, but this illness severely affects a person’s way of life. It interferes with a student’s attendance at school and ability to do schoolwork, and it may prevent the affected person from being able to take part in social activities. Thus, it is always important to note that even though someone’s illness may not appear to have greatly adverse effects, their outward symptoms may not match the intensity of their inner struggle, so we must treat any disease or disorder with sympathy and advocate for its awareness.

Works Cited:

CDC Staff. “ME/CFS Basics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/about/index.html#:~:text=Myalgic%20encephalomyelitis%2Fchronic%20fatigue%20syndrome%20(ME%2FCFS)%20is,no%20known%20cause%20or%20cure. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

John Hopkins Medicine Staff. “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 5 Apr. 2024, http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/chronic-fatigue-syndrome.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 May 2023, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360510.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 May 2023, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490#:~:text=Myalgic%20encephalomyelitis%2Fchronic%20fatigue%20syndrome%20(ME%2FCFS)%20is,although%20there%20are%20many%20theories.