2002-11-20 - 1:08 a.m.
What is M.E.?
M.E. (myalgic encephalomyelitis) is a potentially chronic and disabling neurological disorder, which causes profound exhaustion, muscle pain and cognitive problems such as memory loss and concentration. Other symptoms that are common include sensitivity to light, noise and smell, disturbed sleep patterns and persistent headaches.
The first recognised outbreak of M.E. (which is also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) in Britain occurred at the London Royal Free Hospital in 1955, when almost 300 members of the hospital's staff developed many of the symptoms now associated with the illness. Dr Melvin Ramsey, who worked at the hospital at the time of the outbreak later write in his book Postviral Fatigue Syndrome; the Saga of Royal Free Disease:
'The main symptom of M.E. is a severe fatigue and malaise following exercise, with weakness and pain in the muscles after use, and frequently muscle twitching'
In the more recent past there were misconceptions that only certain social classes were affected and many people regarded the illness as a relatively mild condition - some even doubted its very existence. In fact, around 20% of sufferers are so severely affected that they are either house or bed-bound and have enormous difficulty performing even basic personal tasks unaided.
For most people, however, the illness is less severe. The vast majority of people find that their symptoms fluctuate from day to day.
send me luuuuvvv - Sunday, May. 02, 2004
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