CCIS Support Organisation NZ

ccis sUPPORT ORGANISATION nz

What is ME/CFS?

ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) or CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) , is a medical condition that affects the immune, endocrine and nervous systems, causing extreme physical and mental fatigue and other symptoms (see below).

Who does ME/CFS Affect?

• All ages-(most common 35-55 years)
• All social and ethnic backgrounds
• 70:30 female to male ratio

What causes ME/CFS?

• No single cause
• Multiple triggers and contributing factors:
  – Genetic predisposition
  – System overload (toxins, stress, etc.)
• Viral or bacterial trigger (often EBV)

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms vary from person to person but the most common features are:

• Persistent and overwhelming fatigue
• Muscle and/or joint pains
• Impaired memory and concentration
• Sleep disturbance
• Digestive problems, e.g. irritable bowel
• Sore throat and /or enlarged lymph nodes
• Headaches
• Anxiety, irritability
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Fever/chills (impaired temperature regulation)