(GP)

Overview

• AKA Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
• Diagnosed after at least 4 months of disabling fatigue affecting mental and physical function more than 50% of the time in the absence of other disease which may explain symptoms
• Characterised by a sudden or gradual onset of persistent disabling fatigue, post-exertional malaise (PEM)/exertional exhaustion, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive and autonomic dysfunction, myalgia, arthralgia, headaches, and sore throat and tender lymph nodes (without palpable lymphadenopathy), with symptoms lasting at least 6 months
• F>M (3:1), peak ages of onset are during adolescence and 30-50 yrs old

Making Diagnosis

Clincal Features:

• Persistent Disabling Fatigue → may be present for >6 months
• Post-Exertional Fatigue
  • Significant exhaustion and impairment following minimal physical or cognitive effort
• Short-Term Memory or Concentration Impairment
• Sore Throat
• Arthralgia
• Headache
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Flu-Like Symptoms (may preceed fatigue) → malaise, myalgia, feverness