Chronic Fatigue or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Symptoms

The (EM), commonly known as chronic fatigue syndrome or chronic fatigue.

It is a neurological disease (which affects the nervous system of a person). The main symptom of  chronic fatigue is the post-exertion malaise, the person shows flu symptoms after an effort and does not have enough energy to fulfill the day-to-day activities. It can affect both children and adults and can occur at any age.

The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis means muscle pain and inflammation in the brainand spinal cord . Chronic fatigue is a complex disease and the cause is still unknown. For some people, the disease can be triggered suddenly by a viral infection, toxic exposure, anesthesia, immunization, gastroenteritis or trauma.

There are many subtypes within the spectrum of chronic fatigue, which means that a different management plan must be developed by each person facing the disease. The application of a particular treatment for one subtype can be very harmful for another subtype. An individual management plan must be developed for each person and always under the supervision of a doctor.

About 25 percent of people with chronic fatigue in a mild way are able to get to school or work, either part-time or full-time, while reducing other activities. About 50 percent with a moderate to severe form of fatigue is not able to get to school or work. Another 25 percent will experience severe MS, which forces them to stay at home.

On average, many people with MS will have improvement in the first five years, but others may remain bedridden, or may relapse throughout their lives.

The main characteristic of chronic fatigue is a type of fatigue known as post-exertion malaise, “crash” or “recovery”.

Research shows that people with chronic fatigue have a different physiological response to activity or exercise compared to other people. You have abnormal fatigue after doing any physical activity, and a worsening of other symptoms. The answer may not be immediate, possibly after 24 hours. Depending on the amount and type of effort, it can result in post-exertional discomfort for a few days, or severe relapses in weeks, months or even years.

People with myalgic eclacomyelitis find that the physical activities they normally do now mean a huge loss in their health. For example, go for a short walk, go to a mall, take your child to school or take the bus to work, even though none of these factors caused you fatigue before.

Symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue

Neurocognitive problems : the person begins to experience new difficulties to think, concentrate, memory loss, vision, clumsiness, muscle contractions or tingling sensation, sleep interruption, pain or pains in the muscles, joints or head, decrease in pressure arterial, feeling dizzy or pale, palpitations, increased heart rate or shortness of breath with exertion or at rest.

Other symptoms

  • Sensitivity to light, sound, smells, food, touch, medicines, chemical products
  • Diarrhea, gastrointestinal changes such as nausea, constipation, abdominal distension
  • Urinary problems
  • Sore throat present, sensitive lymph nodes and a sensation very similar to the flu
  • Weight change – extreme loss or gain
  • Inability to withstand temperature changes.