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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)
A medical condition effecting the immune and central nervous systems.
The cause is not clear, but onset is linked in most cases to an acute
infection, although some people experience a slow insidious onset, and there is
some evidence implicating various common viruses in the development of the
syndrome. It is thought to effect 2-3 per 1000 of the population. Onset can
occur at any age, but it is most common in persons aged 20-40 years, and in
those whose employment exposes them to infection, such as health
professionals.
What are the symptoms?
The person with ME
experiences a disabling, exercise-induced muscle fatigue, muscle pain
(myalgia), often severe, a 'flu-like' malaise, an abnormal exhaustion
unrelieved by sleep, and various symptoms which indicate a disturbance in brain
function (encephalitic symptoms), including loss of concentration and short
term memory, dyslexia, nausea, clumsiness and disturbed balance, sensitivity to
light and other problems with vision, sensitivity to noise, misjudgement of
distance, and sometimes depression, mood swings, and problems with bladder
control and bowel disturbance.
The ME Association has information
leaflets available which will answer most of your questions about ME. They also
have two leaflets: What is ME? and A Guide for Young People.
What is
ME is a brief, simple explanation of the condition.
A Guide for Young
People covers the following:
What is ME?
Is it a new disease?
What causes ME?
Who gets
ME?
How is it Diagnosed?
What are the Symptoms?
What is the Pattern
of the Illness?
Effects of ME
Questions the ME Sufferer may be
Asked
Social Security Benefits
What Can the Association do for You?
The Experiences of Some Young Sufferers
What are Some of the Symptoms?
So What Can you Do?
Further Reading
For more information contact one of the following organisations: