Chronic fatigue syndrome

Context

Recently, a woman from Bengaluru has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court to stop her Noida-based friend, who has been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since 2014, from travelling to Europe to undergo a physician-assisted euthanasia.

About

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS).
It is a serious and debilitating disease that affects the nervous system, the immune system and the body’s production of energy.

Causes of ME/CFS

It's not known what causes ME/CFS, but there are a number of theories – for example, it may be triggered by an infection, or certain factors could make you more likely to develop the illness.

Suggested causes or triggers for ME/CFS include:

viral infections, such as glandular fever
bacterial infections, such as pneumonia
problems with the immune system
a hormone imbalance
genes – ME/CFS seems to be more common in some families

Diagnosis: There is no specific test for the disease, and doctors have to rely on medical examinations, blood and urine tests. ME/CFS can affect anyone, from children to adults of all ages.

Symptoms:

The biggest telltale symptom is a significantly lowered ability to do activities that were performed before the illness.
The fatigue is not relieved by sleep or rest and exercising usually makes the symptoms worse.
Other symptoms include trouble sleeping, difficulty in thinking, memory retention and concentration, dizziness/lightheadedness, headaches, muscle pain, joint ache, flu-like symptoms, tender lymph nodes and digestive issues.
The most recognizable symptom is post-exertional malaise (PEM).
Patients often describe it as a “crash” in physical/mental energy following even minor activities like grocery shopping or brushing teeth.

Treatment:

As of yet, there is no specific cure or approved treatment. Instead, doctors recommend ways to deal with the symptoms of the disease.
Treatments include:
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
energy management
medicine to control symptoms such as pain and sleeping problems
Some people with ME/CFS will improve over time, especially with treatment.
Many people with ME/CFS will need to adapt their daily routine and pattern of activities on a long-term basis. There may be periods when your symptoms get better or worse.