290 lines
No EOL
38 KiB
HTML
290 lines
No EOL
38 KiB
HTML
<!DOCTYPE html>
|
||
<html lang="en" id="article" class="nojs us" data-root="//medlineplus.gov" itemid="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001244.htm" itemtype="http://schema.org/MedicalWebPage" itemscope="">
|
||
<head>
|
||
<meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1"/>
|
||
<meta http-equiv="window-target" content="_top"/>
|
||
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"/>
|
||
<meta charset="utf-8"/>
|
||
<meta property="fb:app_id" content="1042245625821448"/>
|
||
<meta name="expires" content="Wed, 05 02 2025"/>
|
||
<meta name="ac-dictionary" content="medlineplus-ac-dictionary"/>
|
||
<link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://medlineplus.gov/images/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon"/>
|
||
<link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="//medlineplus.gov/images/touch-icon.png"/>
|
||
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"/>
|
||
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://medlineplus.gov/css/common_new.css?04272023"/>
|
||
<!--[if IE 8]> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://medlineplus.gov/css/ie8/common.css"><![endif]-->
|
||
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://medlineplus.gov/uswds/css/uswds_styles.css"/>
|
||
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://medlineplus.gov/css/ency/ency2.css?07162024"/>
|
||
<script type="text/javascript">document.querySelector("html").className = document.querySelector("html").className.replace(/nojs[\s]*/g, '');</script>
|
||
<script src="https://medlineplus.gov/uswds/js/uswds-init.min.js" type="text/javascript">
|
||
</script>
|
||
<script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='//www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MMVM77');</script>
|
||
<link rel="canonical" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001244.htm" itemprop="url"/>
|
||
<link rel="alternative" hreflang="es" href="https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/001244.htm"/>
|
||
<link rel="alternative" hreflang="en" href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001244.htm"/><meta property="og:title" content="Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia"/><meta property="og:url" content="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001244.htm"/><meta property="twitter:title" content="Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia"/><meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/><meta name="description" content="Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term illness that affects many body systems. People with this illness are not able to do their usual activities. Sometimes, they may"/><meta itemprop="description" name="description" content="Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term illness that affects many body systems. People with this illness are not able to do their usual activities. Sometimes, they may"/><meta property="og:description" content="Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term illness that affects many body systems. People with this illness are not able to do their usual activities. Sometimes, they may"/><meta property="twitter:description" content="Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term illness that affects many body systems. People with this illness are not able to do their usual activities. Sometimes, they may"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://medlineplus.gov/images/share_ency_1.jpg"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://medlineplus.gov/images/share_ency_2.jpg"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://medlineplus.gov/images/share_ency_3.jpg"/><meta property="twitter:image" content="https://medlineplus.gov/images/share_ency_1.jpg"/>
|
||
<title>Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia</title>
|
||
</head>
|
||
<body><link href="http://schema.org/Patient" itemprop="audience"/>
|
||
<!-- Google Tag Manager -->
|
||
<noscript><iframe title="googletagmanager" src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MMVM77" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden">
|
||
</iframe>
|
||
</noscript>
|
||
<!-- End Google Tag Manager -->
|
||
<a name="top" id="top">
|
||
</a>
|
||
<a class="hide-offscreen" href="#start">Skip navigation</a>
|
||
<section class="usa-banner" aria-label="Official website of the United States government">
|
||
<div class="usa-accordion">
|
||
<header class="usa-banner__header">
|
||
<div class="usa-banner__inner">
|
||
<div class="grid-col-auto">
|
||
<img aria-hidden="true" class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="https://medlineplus.gov/uswds/img/us_flag_small.png" alt=""/>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto" aria-hidden="true">
|
||
<p class="usa-banner__header-text">
|
||
An official website of the United States government
|
||
</p>
|
||
<p class="usa-banner__header-action">Here’s how you know</p>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<button type="button" class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default-default">
|
||
<span class="usa-banner__button-text">Here’s how you know</span>
|
||
</button>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</header>
|
||
<div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default-default">
|
||
<div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg">
|
||
<div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6">
|
||
<img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="https://medlineplus.gov/uswds/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true"/>
|
||
<div class="usa-media-block__body">
|
||
<p>
|
||
<strong>Official websites use .gov</strong><br/>A
|
||
<strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government
|
||
organization in the United States.
|
||
</p>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6">
|
||
<img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="https://medlineplus.gov/uswds/img/icon-https.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true"/>
|
||
<div class="usa-media-block__body">
|
||
<p>
|
||
<strong>Secure .gov websites use HTTPS</strong><br/>A
|
||
<strong>lock</strong> (
|
||
<span class="icon-lock"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewBox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" role="img" aria-labelledby="banner-lock-description-default" focusable="false">
|
||
<title id="banner-lock-title-default">Lock</title>
|
||
<desc id="banner-lock-description-default">Locked padlock icon</desc>
|
||
<path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z">
|
||
</path>
|
||
</svg> </span>) or <strong>https://</strong> means you’ve safely connected to
|
||
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
|
||
secure websites.
|
||
</p>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
<div id="mplus-wrap">
|
||
<header>
|
||
<div id="mplus-header">
|
||
<!-- Orgs
|
||
================================================== -->
|
||
<div id="mplus-orgs">
|
||
<a title="National Institutes of Health" target="_blank" class="nih-org" href="//www.nih.gov/">
|
||
<img alt="National Institutes of Health" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/nihlogo.png" class="nihlogo"/>
|
||
</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nlm.nih.gov/"> National Library of Medicine </a>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<!-- Logo
|
||
================================================== -->
|
||
<div id="mplus-logo" class="years-25">
|
||
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov">
|
||
<img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/m_logo_25.png" title="MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You" alt="MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You"/>
|
||
</a>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<!-- Nav Menu
|
||
================================================== -->
|
||
<div id="mplus-nav">
|
||
<div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">The navigation menu has been collapsed.</div>
|
||
<!-- Menu Button-->
|
||
<button type="submit" aria-controls="mplus-menu-list" role="button" title="Menu" class="navmenu-btn" id="sm-menu-btn" aria-pressed="false" tabindex="0">Menu<span class="icon icon-nav-menu">
|
||
</span></button><ul class="nav-list" id="mplus-menu-list">
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html">Health Topics</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html">Drugs & Supplements</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/">Genetics</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/">Medical Tests</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/encyclopedia.html">Medical Encyclopedia</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/about/">About MedlinePlus</a></li>
|
||
</ul><button type="submit" aria-controls="mplus-search" role="button" title="Search" class="navmenu-btn" id="sm-search-btn" aria-pressed="false" tabindex="0"><span class="hide-offscreen">Show </span>Search<span class="icon icon-nav-search">
|
||
</span></button>
|
||
<div class="top-1">
|
||
<!-- Search
|
||
================================================== -->
|
||
<form target="_self" title="Search MedlinePlus" action="//vsearch.nlm.nih.gov/vivisimo/cgi-bin/query-meta" method="get" id="mplus-search">
|
||
<input type="hidden" value="medlineplus" name="v:project"/>
|
||
<input type="hidden" value="medlineplus-bundle" name="v:sources"/>
|
||
<div class="form-box text-combo">
|
||
<div class="form-area"><label for="searchtext_primary" class="hide-offscreen">Search MedlinePlus</label>
|
||
<span role="status" aria-live="polite" class="ui-helper-hidden-accessible">
|
||
</span><input type="text" aria-haspopup="true" aria-autocomplete="list" role="textbox" autocomplete="off" name="query" size="40" maxlength="400" title="Site Search input" alt="Site Search input" placeholder="Search MedlinePlus" class="form-text ui-autocomplete-input" id="searchtext_primary"/>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<div class="button-area">
|
||
<button type="submit" alt="Search MedlinePlus" title="Search MedlinePlus" class="form-btn">GO</button>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</form>
|
||
<!-- Secondary Nav
|
||
================================================== -->
|
||
<div class="secondarynav">
|
||
<ul class="nav-list">
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/about/"><span>About MedlinePlus</span></a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/whatsnew/"><span>What's New</span></a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/sitemap.html"><span>Site Map</span></a></li>
|
||
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://support.nlm.nih.gov/knowledgebase/category/?id=CAT-01231&category=medlineplus&from=//medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001244.htm"><span>Customer Support</span></a></li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<!-- Nav Bar
|
||
================================================== -->
|
||
<div id="mplus-nav-bar">
|
||
<ul class="nav-list">
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html">Health Topics</a></li><li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html">Drugs & Supplements</a></li><li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/">Genetics</a></li><li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/">Medical Tests</a></li><li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/encyclopedia.html">Medical Encyclopedia</a></li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<a title="Español" id="mplus-lang-toggle" href="../../spanish/ency/article/001244.htm">Español</a>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</header>
|
||
<!-- Content
|
||
================================================== -->
|
||
<div id="mplus-content">
|
||
<!-- Breadrcumbs -->
|
||
<div id="breadcrumbs"><div itemtype="http://schema.org/BreadcrumbList" itemscope="" itemprop="breadcrumb"><span class="hide-offscreen">You Are Here:</span>
|
||
<div itemscope itemprop="itemListElement" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem">
|
||
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a>
|
||
→
|
||
<meta itemprop="position" content="1"/>
|
||
</div>
|
||
|
||
<div itemscope itemprop="itemListElement" itemtype="http://schema.org/ListItem">
|
||
<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/encyclopedia.html" itemprop="item"><span itemprop="name">Medical Encyclopedia</span></a>
|
||
→
|
||
<meta itemprop="position" content="2"/>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div><div><span>Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)</span></div></div>
|
||
<span class="page-url print-only">URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001244.htm
|
||
</span>
|
||
<!-- Article -->
|
||
<article><div id="d-article"><div class="page-info"><div class="page-title"><a name="start" id="start">
|
||
</a><h1 class="with-also" itemprop="name">Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)</h1>
|
||
</div><div class="page-actions">
|
||
</div>
|
||
<noscript>
|
||
<span class="js-disabled-message">To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript.</span>
|
||
</noscript></div><div class="main"><div id="ency_summary"><p>Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term illness that affects many body systems. People with this illness are not able to do their usual activities. Sometimes, they may be confined to bed. The condition can also be called systemic exertional intolerance disease (SEID).</p><p>One common symptom is severe <a test="test" href="./003088.htm">fatigue</a>. It does not get better with rest and is not directly caused by other medical problems. Other symptoms can include problems with thinking and concentrating, pain, and dizziness.</p></div><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Causes</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-1" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-1"><p>The exact cause of ME/CFS is unknown. It may have more than one cause. For example, two or more possible causes may work together to trigger the illness.</p><p>Researchers are looking into these possible causes:</p><ul><li><strong>Infection</strong> -- About 1 out of 10 people who develop certain infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus and Q fever, go on to develop ME/CFS. Other infections have also been studied, but not one cause has been found.</li><li><strong>Immune system changes</strong> -- ME/CFS may be triggered by changes in the way a person's immune system responds to stress or illness.</li><li><strong>Mental or physical stress</strong> -- Many people with ME/CFS have been under serious mental or physical stress before becoming ill.</li><li><strong>Energy production</strong> -- The way that cells within the body get energy is different in people with ME/CFS than in people without the condition. It's unclear how this is linked to developing the illness. </li><li><strong>Long COVID or Post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC)</strong> -- Some people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus continue to have symptoms weeks or months later. This is called <a test="test" href="./007791.htm">long COVID</a>. Because symptoms such as extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and sleep problems are similar to ME/CFS, researchers are looking into a possible connection between the two conditions.</li></ul><p>Genetics or environmental factors may also play a role in the development of ME/CFS:</p><ul><li>Anyone can get ME/CFS.</li><li>While most common in people between 40 and 60 years old, the illness affects children, adolescents, and adults of all ages.</li><li>Among adults, women are affected more often than men.</li><li>White people are diagnosed more than other races and ethnicities. But many people with ME/CFS have not been diagnosed, particularly among minorities. </li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Symptoms</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-2" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-2"><p>There are three main, or "core," symptoms in people with ME/CFS:</p><ul><li>Profound fatigue</li><li>Worsening symptoms after physical or mental activity</li><li>Sleep problems</li></ul><p>People with ME/CFS have persistent and profound fatigue and are unable to do activities they were able to do before the illness. This extreme fatigue is:</p><ul><li>New</li><li>Lasts at least 6 months</li><li>Not due to unusual or intense activity</li><li>Not relieved by sleep or bed rest</li><li>Severe enough to keep you from participating in certain activities</li></ul><p>ME/CFS symptoms can become worse after physical or mental activity. This is called post-exertional malaise (PEM), also known as a crash, relapse, or collapse.</p><ul><li>For example, you may experience a crash after shopping at the grocery store and need to take a nap before driving home. Or you may need someone to come pick you up.</li><li>There is no way to predict what will cause a crash or know how long it will take to recover. It can take days, weeks, or longer to recover.</li></ul><p>Sleep issues may include problems falling or staying asleep. A full-night's rest does not relieve fatigue and other symptoms.</p><p>People with ME/CFS also often experience at least one of the two following symptoms:</p><ul><li>Forgetfulness, concentration problems, problems following details (also called "brain fog")</li><li>Worsening symptoms when standing or sitting upright. This is called orthostatic intolerance. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint when standing or sitting up. You also may have vision changes or see spots.</li></ul><p>Other common symptoms include:</p><ul><li>Joint pain without swelling or redness, muscle aches, <a test="test" href="./003174.htm">muscle weakness</a> all over, or headaches that differ from those you have had in the past</li><li>Sore throat, sore lymph nodes in the neck or under the arms, chills and night sweats</li><li>Digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome</li><li>Allergies</li><li>Sensitivity to noise, food, odors, or chemicals</li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Exams and Tests</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-3" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-3"><p>The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) describes ME/CFS as a distinct disorder with specific symptoms and physical signs. Diagnosis is based on ruling out other possible causes.</p><p>Your health care provider will try to rule out other possible causes of fatigue, including:</p><ul><li>Drug dependence</li><li>Immune or <a test="test" href="./000816.htm">autoimmune disorders</a></li><li>Infections</li><li>Muscle or nerve diseases (such as <a test="test" href="./000737.htm">multiple sclerosis</a>)</li><li><a test="test" href="./002351.htm">Endocrine</a> diseases (such as <a test="test" href="./000353.htm">hypothyroidism</a>)</li><li>Other illnesses (such as heart, kidney, or liver diseases)</li><li>Psychiatric or psychological illnesses, particularly depression</li><li>Tumors</li></ul><p>A diagnosis of ME/CFS must include:</p><ul><li>Absence of other causes of long-term (chronic) fatigue</li><li>At least four ME/CFS-specific symptoms</li><li>Extreme, long-term fatigue</li></ul><p>There are no specific tests to confirm the diagnosis of ME/CFS. However, there have been reports of people with ME/CFS having abnormal results on the following tests:</p><ul><li>Brain <a test="test" href="./003335.htm">MRI</a></li><li>White blood cell count</li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Treatment</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-4" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-4"><p>There is currently no cure for ME/CFS. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.</p><p>Treatment includes a combination of the following:</p><ul><li>Sleep management techniques</li><li>Medicines to reduce pain, discomfort, and fever</li><li>Medicines to treat anxiety (anti-anxiety drugs)</li><li>Medicines to treat depression (antidepressant drugs)</li><li>Healthy diet</li></ul><p>Some drugs can cause reactions or side effects that are worse than the original symptoms of the disease.</p><p>People with ME/CFS are encouraged to maintain an active social life. Mild physical exercise may also be helpful. Your health care team will help you figure out how much activity you can do, and how to slowly increase your activity. Tips include:</p><ul><li>Avoid doing too much on days when you feel tired</li><li>Balance your time between activity, rest, and sleep</li><li>Break big tasks into smaller, more manageable ones</li><li>Spread out your more challenging tasks throughout the week </li></ul><p>Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques can help manage chronic (long-term) pain and fatigue. They are not used as the primary treatment for ME/CFS. Relaxation techniques include:</p><ul><li>Biofeedback</li><li>Deep breathing exercises</li><li>Hypnosis</li><li>Massage therapy</li><li>Meditation</li><li>Muscle relaxation techniques</li><li>Yoga </li></ul><p>It also may be helpful to work with a therapist to help you deal with your feelings and the impact of the illness on your life.</p><p>Newer medicine approaches are being researched.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Support Groups</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-5" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-5"><p>Some people may benefit from taking part in an ME/CFS <a test="test" href="./002168.htm">support group</a>.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Outlook (Prognosis)</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-6" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-6"><p>The long-term outlook for people with ME/CFS varies. It is hard to predict at the time that symptoms first start. Some people completely recover after 6 months to a year.</p><p>About 1 in 4 people with ME/CFS are so severely disabled that they can't get out of bed or leave their home. Symptoms can come and go in cycles, and even when people feel better, they may experience a relapse triggered by exertion or an unknown cause. </p><p>Some people never feel like they did before they developed ME/CFS. Studies suggest that you are more likely to get better if you receive extensive rehabilitation.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Possible Complications</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-7" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-7"><p>Complications may include:</p><ul><li>Depression</li><li>Inability to take part in work and social activities, which can lead to isolation</li><li>Side effects from medicines or treatments</li></ul></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>When to Contact a Medical Professional</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-8" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-8"><p>Call your provider if you have severe fatigue, with or without other symptoms of this disorder. Other more serious disorders can cause similar symptoms and should be ruled out.</p><p>If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988 or chat <a class="extln" target="_blank" href="https://988lifeline.org">988lifeline.org</a>. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7, anytime day or night.</p><p>You can also call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the hospital emergency room. DO NOT delay.</p><p>If someone you know has attempted suicide, call 911 or the local emergency number right away. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Alternative Names</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Alt" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Alt"><p>CFS; Fatigue - chronic; Immune dysfunction syndrome; Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME); Myalgic encephalopathy chronic fatigue syndrome (ME-CFS); Systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID)</p></div></div></section><section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>References</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-Ref" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div class="section-body" id="section-Ref"><p>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Manage myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/management/" target="_blank">www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/management/</a>. Updated May 10, 2024. Accessed June 18, 2024.</p><p>Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. <em>Goldman-Cecil Medicine.</em> 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 258.</p><p>Committee on the Diagnostic Criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Board on the Health of Select Populations; Institute of Medicine. Beyond myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: redefining an illness. Washington, DC: National Academies Press; 2015. PMID: 25695122 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25695122/" target="_blank">pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25695122/</a>.</p><p>Dobbs TE, Lampton LM. COVID -19. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. <em>Conn's Current Therapy 2023</em>. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:572-577.</p><p>Ebenbichler GR. Chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD, eds. <em>Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. </em>4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 126.</p><p>Engleberg NC. Chronic fatigue syndrome (systemic exertion intolerance disease). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. <em>Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. </em>9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 130.</p><p>National Institutes of Health. Studying long COVID might help others with post-viral fatigue ailments: similarities between long COVID and ME/CFS motivate research. August 8, 2022. <a href="https://covid19.nih.gov/news-and-stories/studying-long-covid-might-help-others-post-viral-fatigue-ailments" target="_blank">covid19.nih.gov/news-and-stories/studying-long-covid-might-help-others-post-viral-fatigue-ailments</a>.</p><p>Smith ME, Haney E, McDonagh M, et al. Treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review for a National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention Workshop. <em>Ann Intern Med.</em> 2015;162(12):841-850. PMID: 26075755 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26075755/" target="_blank">pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26075755/</a>.</p><p>van der Meer JWM, Bleijenberg G. Chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Cohen J, Powderly WG, Opal SM, eds. <em>Infectious Diseases.</em> 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 70.</p></div></div></section>
|
||
<section><div class="section"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Review Date 4/30/2023</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-version" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div>
|
||
<div id="section-version" class="section-body"><p>Updated by: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.</p>
|
||
</div></div></section><section><div class="section ency-citation"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title ency-citation"><div id="citation-how-to"><button><span>Learn how to cite this page</span></button></div></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div></div></section><section><div class="section sec-mb"><div class="section-header"><div class="section-title"><h2>Related MedlinePlus Health Topics</h2></div><div class="section-button"><button type="submit" aria-controls="section-mtp" role="button" title="Expand/Collapse section"><span class="icon icon-section-action">
|
||
</span></button></div><div class="sm-live-area hide-offscreen" aria-live="polite">
|
||
</div></div><div name="Related MedlinePlus Health Topics" class="section-body" id="section-mtp"><ul class="side-nav"><li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/myalgicencephalomyelitischronicfatiguesyndrome.html">Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
</ul></div></div></section></div></div></article>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<footer>
|
||
|
||
<div class="provider-box group">
|
||
<div class="urac-logo">
|
||
<a href="https://accreditnet.urac.org/directory/#/certification/HCP-2/info"><img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/CertifiedSeal.png"/></a>
|
||
<p class="urac-logo-info">Health Content Provider<br>06/01/2025</p>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<p class="adam-info">
|
||
<a href='javascript:urac_open();'>A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC</a>, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's <a href='javascript:hwsopen();'>accreditation program</a> is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s <a href='javascript:edpolopen();'>editorial policy, editorial process</a>, and <a href='javascript:ppopen();'>privacy policy</a>. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: <a href='javascript:honc_open();'>verify here</a>.
|
||
</p>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<p class="adam-info">
|
||
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only – they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997-2025 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
||
</p>
|
||
<div class="adam-logo">
|
||
<a href="https://www.adam.com/about" target="_blank"><img width="49" height="10" alt="About A.D.A.M." src="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/images/ency/ftrAdamlogo.gif"/></a>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<div id="mplus-footer">
|
||
<div class="footer1">
|
||
<ul class="secondarynav">
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/about/">About MedlinePlus</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/whatsnew/">What's New</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/sitemap.html">Site Map</a></li>
|
||
<li><a name="contact" target="_blank" href="https://support.nlm.nih.gov/knowledgebase/category/?id=CAT-01231&category=medlineplus&from="><span>Customer Support</span></a></li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
<ul class="follow-footer">
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/rss.html" class="follow-item">Subscribe to RSS<img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/feed.png" class="social-media-toolkit-icon" alt="RSS" title="RSS"></a></li>
|
||
<li><span class="follow-label">Follow us</span>
|
||
<a href="https://twitter.com/medlineplus" class="follow-item" target="_blank"><img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/i_share_twitter.png" class="follow-icon" alt="X" title="X"></a>
|
||
<a href="https://facebook.com/Mplus.gov/" class="follow-item" target="_blank"><img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/i_share_fb.png" class="follow-icon" alt="Facebook" title="Facebook"></a>
|
||
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mplusgov/" class="follow-item" target="_blank"><img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/Instagram_Glyph_Gradient_RGB.png" class="follow-icon" alt="Instagram" title="Instagram"></a>
|
||
</li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/social-media-toolkit/" class="social-media-toolkit-item">Social Media Toolkit<img src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/i_social_media_toolkit.png" class="social-media-toolkit-icon" alt="Social Media Toolkit" title="Social Media Toolkit"></a></li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<div class="footer2">
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li><a href="https://www.nlm.nih.gov/web_policies.html" target="_blank">NLM Web Policies</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/about/using/usingcontent/" >Copyright</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="//medlineplus.gov/accessibility.html">Accessibility</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/about/using/criteria/">Guidelines for Links</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="//medlineplus.gov/plugins.html">Viewers & Players</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://www.hhs.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/index.html" target="_blank">HHS Vulnerability Disclosure</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/medlineplus-connect/">MedlinePlus Connect for EHRs</a></li>
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/about/developers/">For Developers</a></li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
<div class="address">
|
||
<a href="//www.nlm.nih.gov" target="_blank">National Library of Medicine</a>
|
||
<span>8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894</span>
|
||
<a href="//www.hhs.gov" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Health and Human Services</a>
|
||
<a href="//www.nih.gov" target="_blank">National Institutes of Health</a>
|
||
</div>
|
||
<div class="return-top"><a href="#top" title="Return to top"><img class="return-top-icon" alt="Return to top" src="https://medlineplus.gov/images/return-top.png"></a></div>
|
||
</div>
|
||
</div>
|
||
|
||
</footer>
|
||
</div><!-- End Wrap -->
|
||
<script src="https://medlineplus.gov/jslib/jquery-3.6.0.min.js" type="text/javascript">
|
||
</script>
|
||
<script src="https://medlineplus.gov/jslib/mplus-frontend-controls.js" type="text/javascript">
|
||
</script>
|
||
<!--[if lte IE 9]>
|
||
<script src="https://medlineplus.gov/jslib/jquery.placeholder.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
||
<![endif]-->
|
||
<script src="https://medlineplus.gov/jslib/mplus-share.js?id=1112022" type="text/javascript">
|
||
</script>
|
||
<script src="https://medlineplus.gov/jslib/control.js" type="text/javascript">
|
||
</script>
|
||
<script src="https://medlineplus.gov/uswds/js/uswds.min.js" type="text/javascript">
|
||
</script>
|
||
<script src="https://medlineplus.gov/jslib/ency/ency.js" type="text/javascript">
|
||
</script>
|
||
</body>
|
||
</html> |