Myalgic encephalomyelitis (me) Health Dictionary

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Iceland disease. Post Viral Fatigue. A chronic neuromuscular illness with psychological disturbance ranging from depression to severe behavioural abnormality. Follows persistent infection by enteroviruses with viral material in the muscles. May follow influenza and so-called ‘burn-out’. While virus enters the body through the intestines, it tends to invade the central nervous system and depress the immune system. Occurs chiefly in women and young energetic executives pursuing vigorous activity when a feverish condition is latent.

Exercise worsens symptoms by reduced muscle tissue oxygen. (Swedish study)

The function of the immune system is to arrest the action of viruses and bacteria, but when it ceases to act the body intelligence cannot tell the difference between a normal reaction and an alien one. It begins to attack its own weapons of defence – the antibodies.

Symptoms. Exercise-induced muscle fatigue and weakness after walking or other activity. Movements are slow. Headache, dizziness, chest pain, difficult breathing, sore throat, swollen glands, stomach unrest. Mental weariness. “Cannot fight back”. Wants to sleep all the time. Difficulty in finding the right words, to remember things, to concentrate on problems and has to force the brain to work. He or she looks basically healthy but is unhappy and may awake crying in response to the pressures of life.

Treatment. Lymphatics, hepatics, nervines, oral anti-fungals (anti-candida).

Alternatives. Clivers, Galangal, Gentian, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Milk Thistle, Liquorice root, Garlic, Astragalus radix, Poke root, Shitake Mushroom, Wild Indigo, Wormwood.

To enhance immune response: Echinacea.

Of value: Ginseng (anti-depressant), Evening Primrose (GLA), Vitamin E (antioxidant).

Formula: Tea: equal parts Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Caraway. One teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; 1 cup thrice daily.

Formula. Echinacea 2; Astragalus 1; Ginseng 1. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.

Diet. Low salt and fat, high fibre. Wholegrains, sprouting seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish oils. Avoid sugar, yeast and dairy products.

Supplements: daily. Beta carotene, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Magnesium asparate 1g, Potassium 1g, Zinc. Contra-indications: tranquillisers that decrease physical and mental activity.

Evening Primrose. Clinical trials (Efamol) prove to help treat symptoms, especially when in combination with fish oils.

Supportive: cranial osteopathy. Aromatherapy massage. Complete rest, with long sleep periods.

Information. MEA, Stanhope House, High Street, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex SS17 0HA, UK. Send SAE. 

A syndrome in which various combinations of extreme fatiguability, muscle pain, lack of concentration, panic attacks, memory loss and depression occur. Its existence and causes have been the subject of controversy re?ected in the variety of names given to the syndrome: CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME (CFS), post-viral fatigue syndrome, Royal Free disease, epidemic neuromyasthenia and Icelandic disease. ME often follows virus infections of the upper respiratory tract or gut, but it is not clear whether this is an association or cause-ande?ect. It may occur in epidemics or as individual cases. Physical examination shows no evidence of diagnosable disease and there is no diagnostic test – diagnosis usually being made by excluding other possible disorders. The sufferer usually recovers in time, although sometimes recovery may take many months or even years. The most severely affected may be bedridden and may need tube-feeding. There is no speci?c curative treatment, but symptomatic treatment such as resting in the early stages may help. Some experts believe that the illness has a psychological element, and sufferers have been treated with COGNITIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY. In 1998 the Chief Medical O?cer set up a multidisciplinary working group, including patients, to consider possible cures and treatments for ME/CFS. The report (2002) concluded that the disorder should be recognised as chronic and treatable, but there was no clear agreement on cause(s) and treatment(s). Meanwhile research continues, including a programme by the Centre of Disease Control in Atlanta, USA. Su?erers may ?nd it helpful to consult the ME Association.