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What is ME/FM?

ME/CFS (also referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is classified as a neurological disease in the World Health Organization.

“There is evidence that the patients with this illness experience a level of disability that is equal to that of patients with late-stage AIDS, patients undergoing chemotherapy (and) patients with Multiple Sclerosis.) Professor Nancy Klimas, University of Miami, speaking at the lunch of the US CDC campaign to raise awareness of ME?CFS, 3 November 2006, National Press Club, Washington DC)” 

Symptoms are:

  • Fatigue (New or sudden onset) lasting more then 6 months
  • Postexertional Malaise (lasts more then 24 hours)
  • Sleep dysfunction (ie: unrefreshing sleep)
  • Pain (ie; Muscle & Joint, new headaches)
  • Neurological & Cognitive Impairment (ie: short term memory impairment & disorientation)
  • At least one symptom from two of the categories: Immune (ie: sore throat, lymph nodes), Autonomic(ie; nausea & irritable bowel syndrome), Neuroendecrine(ie: subnormal body temperature, sweating episodes)

FM is classified as a non-articular rheumatism in the World Health Organization. The symptoms are:

  • Widespread pain and tenderness lasting for at least 3 months
  • Neurological (ie; Muscle cramps and weakness)
  • Neurocognitive (ie; Impaired concentration & short term memory impairment)
  • Fatigue (ie: Reduced physical & mental stamina)
  • Sleep disturbance (ie; non-refreshing sleep, insomnia)
  • Hot/Cold Intolerance
  • Stiffness most severe upon awakening & lasts for hours

For more information please review the Canadian Concensus Overview Documents: 

These are valuable documents to aid in physician and patient awareness.

There are 2 separate overviews: ME/CFS & FM

To view these documents please go to: www.mefmaction.net
& view the Canadian Consensus Documents Overview: Physicians/Articles & Articles & Research


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