ME/CFS Society of WA: About ME/CFS

ME/CFS is a complex chronic disease affecting multiple body systems/organs. The disease is characterised by abnormal persistent or relapsing fatigue, post-exertional malaise/fatigue, sleep dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, muscle/joint pain and headaches. Post-exertional malaise/fatigue, which is a hallmark of the disease, describes the worsening of symptoms and incapacitating malaise/fatigue experienced by those affected following physical or mental exertion, sometimes even of a trivial nature.

"Sufferers are as impaired as people with MS, as people with AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy for cancer..."
-Dr. William Reeves, Chief of US CDC CFS Research Program

Individuals may also experience their own unique constellation of accompanying symptoms which may include impaired concentration and memory, swollen lymph nodes, recurrent feverishness, food intolerance, nausea, disorientation and cognitive and sensory overload amongst others (see Symptoms).

The severity of the disease and symptoms vary from one individual to another and can in very rare instances be fatal (see Severity). It is frequently known to develop following infection or may have a more gradual onset and has the potential to cause devastating and possibly lifelong disability in those affected.

Although the disease is generally referred to as ME/CFS, ME and CFS are not identical. To understand the differences between ME and CFS and the confusion and misunderstanding this has caused see Brief History.