Chronic Fatigue

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), means muscle pain with brain and spinal cord inflammation. It is also known as chronic fatigue. It has a wide range of symptoms and is a long term condition. It’s most common symptom is extreme tiredness.

Who does it affect?

Anyone.
Most common in women.
May develop between mid 20s and or mid 40s. CFS may run in families

Symptoms

• Extreme tiredness/fatigue

• Not relieved by sleep

• Long recovery time after activity

• Difficulty sleeping/frequent waking

• Poor concentration

Causes

Exact cause is unknown, but it is thought that ME may be triggered by an infection. Either viral, like Glandular fever or bacterial infections like pneumonia. Hormonal imbalances may be another factor to consider.

Triggers

• Emotional stresses

• Neurological imbalances

• Nervous system dysfunction

• Viral infections

Fibromyalgia

Long-term (chronic) health condition that causes pain and tenderness throughout your body, especially muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Who does it affect?

It is thought there is a greater risk of developing fibromyalgia if one of your parents has it.
More common in women.

Symptoms

• Muscle pain and Fatigue

• Face and jaw pain (TMJ)

• Headaches and migraine

• Digestive disturbance

• Bladder control issues

• Memory problems/brain fog Anxiety

• Depression

• Insomnia

Causes

Not exactly known
People with fibromyalgia are usually more sensitive to pain than most people

Triggers

• Emotional stresses

• Diet

• Hormonal changes

• Chronic sleep deprivation

• Temperature changes

• Ill health

Can you have both ME and fibromyalgia at the same time?

Yes
Many people do
Symptoms are similar, so it can be difficult to tell if you have one or both of these conditions.