Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes long-term tiredness (fatigue) that affects everyday life. It does not go away with sleep or rest.
CFS is also known as ME, which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis. Myalgia means muscle pain and encephalomyelitis means inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Both terms are commonly used (see box, below left).
There is no cure for CFS, so treatment tends to focus on easing the symptoms. These include muscle pain and headaches (see Symptoms and Treatment, above).
Who is affected?
Around 250,000 people in the UK have CFS.
Anyone can get CFS, although it is more common in women than in men. It usually develops in the early 20s to mid-40s. Children can also be affected, usually between the ages of 13 and 15.
How serious is it?
Most cases are mild or moderate, but up to one in four people with CFS have severe or very severe symptoms. These are defined as follows:
- Mild: you are able to care for yourself, but may need days off work to rest.
- Moderate: you may have reduced mobility, and your symptoms can vary. You may also have disturbed sleep patterns, and sleep in the afternoon.
- Severe: you are able to carry out minimal daily tasks, such as brushing your teeth, but occasionally you may need to use a wheelchair. You may also have difficulty concentrating.
- Very severe: you are unable to carry out any daily tasks for yourself and need bed rest for most of the day. Often, in severe cases, you may experience an intolerance to noise and become very sensitive to bright lights.
Outlook
CFS may last for years. Most people improve over time and some people recover and are able to resume work and normal activities.
However, others will continue having symptoms or may relapse, and some remain housebound.
The outlook for young people is more optimistic.
