DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Chronic Condition

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

HIGH SEVERITY

A complex, chronic disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition and does not improve with rest. Associated with post-exertional malaise, cognitive impairment, and orthostatic intolerance.

Global Affected

25.0M

Countries

111

Symptoms

Severe fatigue (>6 months)
Post-exertional malaise (PEM)
Unrefreshing sleep
Cognitive impairment
Orthostatic intolerance
Muscle/joint pain
Sore throat
Tender lymph nodes
Headaches

Treatment Options

Pacing and energy management
Sleep hygiene optimization
Pain management
Low-dose naltrexone
Graded exercise (controversial)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (symptom management)
Orthostatic intolerance treatment
Antivirals (investigational)

Risk Factors

1Female gender (2-4x)
2Age 40-50 peak
3Viral infection trigger
4Genetic predisposition
5Immune system abnormalities
6Hormonal imbalances
7Stress
8Previous autoimmune disease

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Clinical diagnosis (IOM/CDC criteria)
  • 2Exclusion of other conditions
  • 3Assessment of PEM
  • 4Orthostatic vital signs
  • 5Sleep studies
  • 6Cognitive testing
  • 7Autonomic function tests

Prognosis

Variable course. Some recover completely, others have persistent symptoms. 50% improve over 5 years. 5-10% become severely disabled and bedbound. Quality of life similar to multiple sclerosis and congestive heart failure.

Prevention

  • No known prevention
  • Early intervention after viral illness
  • Stress management
  • Avoiding overexertion during illness

Research Status

No FDA-approved specific treatment. Pacing and activity management. Symptomatic treatment for sleep, pain, orthostatic intolerance. Graded exercise and CBT controversial. Rintatolimod available in some countries. Ampligen and other immunomodulators in trials.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanChinaIndiaBrazilRussiaSwedenNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkNorwayFinlandPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaSingaporeTaiwanHong KongMalaysiaThailandVietnamIndonesiaPhilippinesSouth AfricaNigeriaEgyptTurkeyIranSaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitOmanJordanLebanonSyriaYemenIraqAfghanistanPakistanBangladeshLKNPMMKHLAMNKazakhstanUzbekistanTMKGTJAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMEMKSerbiaXKMexicoArgentinaChileColombiaPeruVenezuelaEcuadorUYPYBOCRPAGuatemalaHNSVNIBZJMHaitiDominican RepublicCuba

Sources

  • https://medlineplus.gov
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.