European ME Research Group

What is ME?

ME - What it IS…

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME, sometimes referred to as ME/CFS) is a serious, acquired, chronic, complex, and systemic disease associated with neurological, immunological, autonomic, and energy metabolism dysfunction (Institute of Medicine, 2015). Individuals with ME/CFS experience a range of symptoms including significant impairment in function, post-exertional malaise, sleep impairment, cognitive issues, pain, orthostatic intolerance, flu-like symptoms, sensory intolerance, gastrointestinal and genitourinary issues.

ME has been classified as a neurological disorder in the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases under Postviral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS) since 1969 (WHO code ICD 10 G93.3).
Since 1992, the term "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" (CFS) has been included in the Alphabetical Index and indexed to G93.3
In ICD-11, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome are classified under Chapter 8: Diseases of the Nervous System, within the code 8E49 Postviral fatigue syndrome.

To date there is no known and universally accepted, specific medical diagnostic test to determine or confirm a correct diagnosis nor is there any specific treatment for this condition.
The cause(s) of ME are unknown, but many individuals with the disease remain ill after an acute infection with symptoms that persist for six or more months.
There is currently no universally accepted diagnostic test or approved treatment for ME.

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  • Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is a severe, chronic, complex, systemic, acquired disease
  • Estimated to be 2* as common as MS and 3* times more prevalent than HIV/AIDS,
  • Clear clinical symptoms which manifest predominantly based on neurological, immunological, autonomic, and endocrinological dysfunction
  • Multi-factorial pathogenesis with the hypothesis of initiation by a viral infection prominent.
  • Most frequently follows an acute prodromal infection, varying from upper respiratory infections, bronchitis or sinusitis, or gastroenteritis, or an acute “flu-like” illness.
  • Before acquiring ME most patients were healthy, leading full and active lifestyles.
  • Reaction to physical and mental activity and sensory input is unique to ME.
  • Over-exertion can make ME worse and the effects are often delayed and may not be seen within 24 hours.
  • Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is the hallmark of the disease in which even trivial amounts of activity result in a prolonged exacerbation of symptoms and a further reduction in function.
  • Symptoms can range from mild to very severe and can include:
    • Cardiac and Cardiovascular Problems
    • Cognitive Dysfunction
    • Gastro-intestinal Problems
    • Headaches
    • Hormonal Imbalance
    • Immunological Problems
    • Muscle Weakness and Intense Pain
    • Neurological Problems
    • Sleep Problems