Chronic fatigue

What is chronic fatigue?

Chronic fatigue, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID), is a complex medical condition characterized by extreme and persistent fatigue that is not improved by rest and worsens with physical or mental activity.

The key symptoms include:

• Prolonged exhaustion lasting 6 months or longer that is not relieved by rest


• Worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion, known as post-exertional malaise (PEM)


• Cognitive dysfunction, such as impaired memory and concentration


• Unrefreshing sleep

Chronic fatigue is a serious neuroimmune condition estimated to affect over 2 million people in the US. The specific causes are still unknown, but research suggests it may be triggered by viral infections, immune system dysfunction, nervous system hypersensitivity, and other physiological abnormalities.

Some key facts about chronic fatigue:

• It is more common in women - about 4 times as many women are affected as men


• Onset is most common between ages 30-50 but can occur at any age


• There is no laboratory test for diagnosis at this time - it is identified based largely on clinical evaluation


• Effective treatment focuses primarily on symptom management rather than cure

I hope this gives you a helpful overview on this poorly understood yet very disabling condition. While there is currently no cure, various treatment approaches may provide some relief. Working with a doctor experienced in complex multi-system illnesses can help patients improve quality of life despite living with ME/CFS. Please share any other questions below!