Myalgic encephalomyelitis (sometimes referred to by the misnomer chronic fatigue syndrome) is a disabling neuroimmune disease, which patients experience neurological, immune, cardiac, autonomic, digestive, endocrine and musculoskeletal symptoms.
Post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE) is the hallmark feature of this life-altering disease. Symptoms may worsen after even minor physical or cognitive activity.
It's important to note, ME is NOT 'chronic fatigue'. Unfortunately, the common use of the problematic name chronic fatigue syndrome has largely minimised this serious multi-system disease since the 1980s.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis means inflammation of the brain and spinal cord with associated muscle pain. Extreme cellular exhaustion is a more accurate term than 'fatigue' and is only one of numerous manifestations that afflict patients. The below illustration highlights the many symptoms which develop or worsen after activity.
Illustrated by Amanda Francey
For more information about myalgic encephalomyelitis and post-exertional symptom exacerbation, also known as post-exertional malaise (PEM), please watch the following short videos.
Below are some more (free to watch) short films about ME including patients' accounts of symptoms. And a 30 minute version of Voices from the Shadows, which highlights the injustice patients with ME have faced in the past and continue to face today.
Click the image above to view these short films.
Click the image above to view this film.