What is ME/CFS?

Also called Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) or by most of the medical profession Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) which is a more general umbrella term. Myalgic Encephalopathy or M.E. is a disabling organic illness which is classified by the World Health Organisation as a neurological disease.

The term ME originates from the 1950's when there were several outbreaks of a non-paralytic polio like illness in the UK. Notably the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead had to close when 292 of the medical and nursing staff went down with the illness in 1955 - some are still affected today. Notable people affected by ME/CFS include Lady Elizabeth Anson, Clare Francis and Esther Rantzen's daughter Emily.

Guide to the Management of CFS/ME
Professor Anthony J Pinching

General Principles

Each person with CFS/ME needs to have a clinical management plan developed according to their condition, its characteristics, severity and impact and to their personal and social circumstances. The plan can be derived from a thorough understanding of their own situation in discussion with a health professional, combined with an assessment of the relevance and appropriateness of the various tools available for its treatment.

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