{ "schemaVersion": 2, "eyebrow": "Internal Medicine", "title": "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome", "summary": "Diagnose ME/CFS clinically by identifying delayed post-exertional malaise, functional decline, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive or orthostatic symptoms; exclude competing causes without delaying symptom-directed pacing and comorbidity management.", "seoDescription": "Physician guide to diagnosing and managing ME/CFS, including post-exertional malaise, diagnostic criteria, orthostatic symptoms, pacing, and long COVID overlap.", "clinicalQuestion": "How should clinicians diagnose ME/CFS, distinguish post-exertional malaise from fatigue, and initiate safe symptom-focused management?", "specialty": "Internal Medicine", "audience": "U.S. physicians and medical trainees", "tags": [ "ME/CFS", "chronic fatigue syndrome", "myalgic encephalomyelitis", "post-exertional malaise", "PEM", "orthostatic intolerance", "long COVID", "pacing" ], "keyTakeaways": [ "ME/CFS requires substantial activity impairment with new-onset fatigue lasting more than 6 months, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and either cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance; symptoms should be present at least half the time at moderate, substantial, or severe intensity. [18][19]", "Delayed, disproportionate symptom worsening 12 to 48 hours after physical, cognitive, emotional, or orthostatic exertion distinguishes post-exertional malaise from nonspecific exertional fatigue and should change rehabilitation planning. [18][23]", "Make a positive clinical diagnosis after a detailed history, comprehensive examination, and symptom-directed evaluation for mimics and comorbidities; specialized objective testing is not routinely required. [21]", "Use pacing or activity management to keep physical and cognitive activity within the patient's individual tolerance and reduce PEM; symptom and activity diaries can help identify the personal threshold. [22]", "Long COVID with PEM may meet ME/CFS criteria; assess the ME/CFS phenotype rather than assuming that all post-COVID fatigue should receive exercise-based rehabilitation. [15][16]" ], "sections": [ { "id": "recognize-the-diagnostic-phenotype", "eyebrow": "Diagnostic threshold", "heading": "When chronic fatigue meets criteria for ME/CFS", "intro": "Apply the clinical criteria to functional loss and exertional response, not fatigue severity alone.", "paragraphs": [ "Diagnose ME/CFS when all three required features are present: a substantial reduction or impairment from pre-illness occupational, educational, social, or personal activity with new or definite-onset fatigue persisting for more than 6 months; post-exertional malaise (PEM); and unrefreshing sleep. Require at least one additional feature: cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance. The required symptoms and the additional qualifying symptom should occur at least half of the time with at least moderate intensity. [18][19]", "The history should establish a clear change from the patient's pre-illness function. Onset can be gradual or sudden and may follow an infectious-like illness or a documented infection such as infectious mononucleosis; a preceding infection supports but is not required for diagnosis. [19][21]", "Do not use the older label of chronic fatigue as a proxy for ME/CFS. Fatigue without PEM, unrefreshing sleep, and the required functional phenotype should prompt a broader diagnostic pathway rather than automatic assignment of ME/CFS. PEM is a defining discriminator, whereas post-exertional fatigue alone is not equivalent to PEM. [1][18][20]" ], "bullets": [ "Document pre-illness versus current activity in occupational, educational, social, and personal domains; this establishes the required functional decrement. [18][19]", "Ask whether symptoms occur after cognitive, emotional, or physical activity, because PEM is not limited to aerobic exercise. [18]", "Ask whether upright posture worsens lightheadedness, syncope, fatigue, cognition, headache, or nausea; these symptoms support orthostatic intolerance. [18]" ], "subsections": [], "table": { "caption": "Clinical features used to identify the ME/CFS phenotype. [18][19]", "columns": [ "Feature", "Required status", "Actionable history" ], "rows": [ [ "Functional impairment with fatigue lasting >6 months", "Required", "Confirm new or definite-onset fatigue and substantial loss of pre-illness occupational, educational, social, or personal function. [18][19]" ], [ "Post-exertional malaise", "Required", "Identify disproportionate symptom exacerbation after previously tolerated physical, cognitive, emotional, or orthostatic exertion. [18]" ], [ "Unrefreshing sleep", "Required", "Establish that a full night's sleep does not reliably restore energy or function. [18]" ], [ "Cognitive impairment", "At least one of two additional features", "Elicit impaired memory, concentration, or information processing, particularly under time pressure. [19][21]" ], [ "Orthostatic intolerance", "At least one of two additional features", "Elicit upright-provoked lightheadedness, fainting, fatigue, cognitive worsening, headache, nausea, or palpitations. [18]" ] ] } }, { "id": "identify-post-exertional-malaise", "eyebrow": "Key discriminator", "heading": "How to identify post-exertional malaise", "intro": "The temporal pattern after exertion determines whether activity escalation is likely to be tolerated.", "paragraphs": [ "Ask the patient to describe the delay, duration, and symptom pattern after an activity that would previously have been tolerated. PEM is worsening after physical, mental, or emotional exertion; symptoms typically worsen 12 to 48 hours after the trigger and may persist for days or weeks. A same-day feeling of tiredness that resolves with usual rest is insufficient to establish PEM. [18][23]", "Clarify which domains flare after exertion: fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, pain, sleep disturbance, orthostatic symptoms, headache, nausea, or other baseline symptoms. The clinically useful feature is a delayed, prolonged, disproportionate multisymptom deterioration, often after minor exertion, rather than isolated post-activity muscle soreness. [18][20][23]", "Use a prospective activity-and-symptom diary when the exertional relationship is unclear. Record physical, cognitive, and social demands alongside symptoms over subsequent days; this can identify individual activity limits and guide pacing. [22]" ], "bullets": [ "Ask: “What activity triggered the flare, when did symptoms peak, and how long did recovery take?” A 12- to 48-hour delay supports PEM. [18][23]", "Ask about cognitive and emotional triggers separately from exercise, because these can precipitate PEM. [18]", "Do not infer absence of PEM from a normal clinic appearance; symptom severity and timing vary substantially between patients and across visits. [19]" ], "subsections": [], "table": { "caption": "Distinguishing PEM from nonspecific post-exertional fatigue. [1][18][20][23]", "columns": [ "Finding", "Post-exertional malaise", "Clinical implication" ], "rows": [ [ "Trigger", "Physical, cognitive, emotional, or orthostatic exertion that was previously tolerated. [18]", "Assess all exertional domains before prescribing rehabilitation or activity progression. [18][22]" ], [ "Timing", "Symptoms commonly worsen 12-48 hours after activity. [18][23]", "Use delayed follow-up questions rather than judging tolerance immediately after activity. [18]" ], [ "Duration", "Flare may last days or weeks. [18][23]", "Avoid plans that repeatedly provoke prolonged recovery. [22]" ], [ "Symptom pattern", "Prolonged aggravation of multiple symptoms after minor exertion. [20][23]", "Treat this as a disease-management constraint, not simple deconditioning. [22]" ] ] } }, { "id": "evaluate-mimics-and-comorbidities", "eyebrow": "Clinical workup", "heading": "Use a targeted evaluation while making a positive diagnosis", "intro": "Testing should pursue alternative explanations and treatable coexisting conditions suggested by the history or examination.", "paragraphs": [ "ME/CFS remains a clinical diagnosis. Obtain a detailed medical and social history, perform a comprehensive physical examination, and conduct a symptom-focused diagnostic workup to identify alternative disorders that could explain the presentation and comorbid conditions that require treatment. Do not require specialized objective tests to establish the diagnosis when the clinical criteria are met. [19][21]", "Build the differential around the dominant competing pattern. Sleep-related symptoms require assessment for sleep dysfunction; prominent mood symptoms require evaluation for depression, anxiety, and stress-related comorbidity; pain requires characterization and treatment as a coexisting symptom syndrome; and upright-provoked symptoms require focused orthostatic assessment. These conditions may coexist with ME/CFS and should not be used to dismiss a characteristic PEM history. [17][18][19]", "For suspected orthostatic intolerance, measure heart rate and blood pressure after 10 minutes supine and during active standing at 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes. This approach captures hemodynamic changes during upright posture and can support the symptom phenotype; interpret results with the clinical history rather than as a stand-alone ME/CFS diagnostic test. [24]", "Escalate beyond routine evaluation when the clinical course or examination suggests a separate organ-system disorder. New focal neurologic deficits, progressive cardiopulmonary limitation, syncope, inflammatory features, or other objective abnormalities warrant a disease-specific diagnostic pathway rather than attribution to ME/CFS alone. The purpose of the initial evaluation is to identify these competing or coexisting conditions while avoiding indefinite diagnostic delay. [21]" ], "bullets": [ "Record orthostatic symptoms during the active stand assessment, not only supine-to-standing vital-sign changes. [24]", "Treat identified sleep dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and pain as comorbid conditions while continuing to assess whether PEM and the core ME/CFS phenotype remain present. [17][19]", "Do not make exercise tolerance testing a routine diagnostic requirement; objective functional tests may support the diagnosis when performed but are frequently unnecessary. [21]" ], "subsections": [], "table": { "caption": "Targeted clinical branches during ME/CFS evaluation. [17][18][19][21][24]", "columns": [ "Dominant finding", "Next assessment", "How the result changes care" ], "rows": [ [ "Delayed symptom flare after minimal exertion", "Characterize onset, peak, duration, triggers, and functional consequences of PEM. [18][23]", "Use activity management designed to avoid recurrent PEM. [22]" ], [ "Upright-provoked lightheadedness, cognition change, nausea, headache, or syncope", "Perform active stand with heart rate and blood pressure after 10 minutes supine and at 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes standing. [18][24]", "Recognize orthostatic intolerance as a qualifying ME/CFS feature and direct management toward the dominant orthostatic syndrome. [18][19]" ], [ "Nonrestorative sleep or daytime sleep-related impairment", "Evaluate sleep dysfunction as a potential mimic or comorbidity. [17][19]", "Treat the identified sleep problem; unrefreshing sleep can still remain a core ME/CFS symptom. [18][19]" ], [ "Depression, anxiety, stress, or chronic pain", "Assess symptom burden and coexisting psychiatric or pain conditions. [17][19]", "Treat the comorbidity without assuming it accounts for delayed PEM. [17][18]" ], [ "Objective focal or progressive abnormalities", "Pursue disease-specific evaluation based on the involved organ system. [21]", "Do not attribute unexplained objective findings to ME/CFS without evaluating an alternative diagnosis. [21]" ] ] } }, { "id": "manage-within-exertional-limits", "eyebrow": "Initial management", "heading": "Prevent PEM while treating the dominant symptom burden", "intro": "Management prioritizes stabilization of activity tolerance and treatable comorbid symptoms.", "paragraphs": [ "Initiate pacing, also called activity management or energy management, for patients with PEM. The operational goal is to balance activity and rest so that physical and cognitive demands remain within the patient's individual limits and do not repeatedly trigger PEM. Patients should plan activity and rest around those limits rather than pursue a predetermined progression. [22]", "Use activity and symptom diaries early to define the patient's energy envelope. Review delayed symptoms after routine tasks, social activity, cognitive work, and upright time; then reduce or redistribute activities associated with flares. Limits differ between patients and may change over time, so plans should be individualized rather than based on a universal exercise target. [22]", "Avoid an exercise plan that assumes fatigue is primarily deconditioning when PEM is present. A substantial proportion of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome in one treatment audit reported worsening with graded exercise, and PEM may occur despite pacing; therefore, any rehabilitative intervention should be symptom-titrated and reassessed for delayed deterioration. [10][4]", "There is no medication approved specifically for ME/CFS. Prioritize the symptom or comorbidity causing the greatest functional limitation, including sleep problems, pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, cognitive symptoms, and depression, stress, or anxiety. Discuss expected benefit and potential harm with the patient and revise the plan if an intervention worsens PEM or overall function. [19][22]" ], "bullets": [ "Set the first management target as avoidance of recurrent prolonged PEM episodes rather than restoration of a fixed pre-illness activity level. [18][22]", "Include cognitive, emotional, and social demands in pacing plans, not only step counts or exercise minutes. [18][22]", "Reassess the effect of any rehabilitation recommendation after the expected PEM window of 12 to 48 hours and over the following days. [18][23]", "Address the most disruptive symptom first, then sequence additional interventions according to patient priorities and treatment burden. [22]" ], "subsections": [], "table": { "caption": "Practical symptom-directed management priorities in ME/CFS. [19][22]", "columns": [ "Clinical priority", "Initial action", "Monitoring target" ], "rows": [ [ "PEM", "Use pacing with planned rest and activity kept within the individual energy envelope. [22]", "Frequency, delay, severity, and duration of post-activity flares. [18][22]" ], [ "Unrefreshing sleep", "Evaluate and treat coexisting sleep dysfunction. [17][19]", "Restorative quality of sleep and next-day functional effect. [18][19]" ], [ "Orthostatic symptoms", "Document upright symptom burden and active stand heart rate and blood pressure response. [18][24]", "Lightheadedness, syncope, cognitive worsening, headache, nausea, and upright tolerance. [18]" ], [ "Pain, mood symptoms, or cognitive complaints", "Treat the dominant coexisting symptom condition and reassess its functional contribution. [17][19][22]", "Function and delayed PEM after treatment changes. [18][22]" ] ] } }, { "id": "long-covid-overlap", "eyebrow": "Post-infectious phenotype", "heading": "Assess long COVID patients for ME/CFS features", "intro": "PEM changes the interpretation of post-COVID fatigue and the safety of rehabilitation recommendations.", "paragraphs": [ "Long COVID definitions vary by organization, with symptoms persisting from 4 weeks to 3 months after acute infection; the World Health Organization definition requires symptoms lasting at least 2 months and extending beyond 3 months from onset without an alternative explanation. In a patient with persistent post-COVID symptoms, evaluate for the ME/CFS clinical phenotype rather than treating fatigue as a uniform syndrome. [12]", "Patients with long COVID who have PEM may meet ME/CFS criteria. Apply the same core assessment: substantial functional impairment, PEM, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance. Approximately half of patients with long COVID have been reported to fulfill ME/CFS diagnostic criteria, although estimates vary by population and criteria used. [5][9][15][16]", "When PEM is present after SARS-CoV-2 infection, use pacing and symptom-guided activity management as the initial safety framework. Do not equate an ability to complete an acute exercise session with absence of delayed or cumulative harm; evaluate symptoms in the 12- to 48-hour post-activity interval and over subsequent days. [4][18][23]" ], "bullets": [ "For post-COVID fatigue, explicitly ask about delayed symptom worsening after exertion before prescribing activity escalation. [16][18]", "Assess orthostatic symptoms and cognition because either can satisfy the additional ME/CFS criterion when the three required symptoms are present. [18][15]", "Continue evaluation for alternative explanations of persistent post-COVID symptoms while managing a confirmed ME/CFS phenotype. [12][21]" ], "subsections": [], "table": { "caption": "Decision points for post-COVID fatigue with possible ME/CFS. [12][15][16][18]", "columns": [ "Finding after COVID-19", "Interpretation", "Next step" ], "rows": [ [ "Persistent symptoms meeting a long COVID time-based definition", "Long COVID is a syndrome with variable definitions and requires assessment for alternative diagnoses. [12]", "Characterize organ-system symptoms and screen specifically for PEM. [12][16]" ], [ "PEM with unrefreshing sleep and substantial functional decline", "The patient may meet the required ME/CFS symptom pattern. [15][18]", "Assess cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance and undertake symptom-focused evaluation. [18][21]" ], [ "PEM present during rehabilitation planning", "A fixed graded progression may not match the patient's exertional tolerance. [4][10]", "Use individualized pacing and monitor delayed flares. [18][22]" ] ] } } ], "faq": [], "references": [ { "number": 1, "title": "Post-exertional fatigue is not equivalent to post-exertional malaise | BMJ Paediatrics Open", "detail": "bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com", "url": "https://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/post-exertional-fatigue-not-equivalent-post-exertional-malaise", "authors": "bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com", "host": "bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com" }, { "number": 2, "title": "Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome", "detail": "www.acpjournals.org", "url": "https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M15-0114", "authors": "www.acpjournals.org", "host": "www.acpjournals.org" }, { "number": 3, "title": "Diagnostic Methods for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue ...", "detail": "www.acpjournals.org", "url": "https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.7326/M15-0443", "authors": "www.acpjournals.org", "host": "www.acpjournals.org" }, { "number": 4, "title": "Effects of a symptom-titrated exercise program on fatigue and quality of life in people with post-COVID condition – a randomized controlled trial | Scientific Reports", "detail": "www.nature.com", "url": "https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-82584-4", "authors": "www.nature.com", "host": "www.nature.com" }, { "number": 5, "title": "Unravelling shared mechanisms: insights from recent ME/CFS research to illuminate long COVID pathologies", "detail": "www.cell.com", "url": "https://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/fulltext/S1471-4914(24)00028-5", "authors": "www.cell.com", "host": "www.cell.com" }, { "number": 6, "title": "Unravelling shared mechanisms: insights from recent ME/CFS ...", "detail": "www.cell.com", "url": "https://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/fulltext/S1471-4914%2824%2900028-5", "authors": "www.cell.com", "host": "www.cell.com" }, { "number": 7, "title": "The persistence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic ...", "detail": "www.sciencedirect.com", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163445324002317", "authors": "www.sciencedirect.com", "host": "www.sciencedirect.com" }, { "number": 8, "title": "eLearning improves allied health professionals' knowledge ...", "detail": "www.sciencedirect.com", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399923003197", "authors": "www.sciencedirect.com", "host": "www.sciencedirect.com" }, { "number": 9, "title": "Diagnosis and Management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome", "detail": "www.sciencedirect.com", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025619623004020", "authors": "www.sciencedirect.com", "host": "www.sciencedirect.com" }, { "number": 10, "title": "Pacing and Exercise in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - 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ClinicalTrials.gov", "detail": "cdn.clinicaltrials.gov", "url": "https://cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/80/NCT06305780/Prot_SAP_001.pdf", "authors": "cdn.clinicaltrials.gov", "host": "cdn.clinicaltrials.gov" } ], "editorialNote": "Prepared from cited clinical literature using Astra's research workflow. Verify recommendations against current guidance and patient-specific factors.", "citations": [ { "number": 1, "title": "Post-exertional fatigue is not equivalent to post-exertional malaise | BMJ Paediatrics Open", "detail": "bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com", "url": "https://bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com/content/post-exertional-fatigue-not-equivalent-post-exertional-malaise", "authors": "bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com", "host": "bmjpaedsopen.bmj.com", "snippet": "References: \n1. Asprusten TT, Sulheim D, Fagermoen E, et al. Systemic exertion intolerance disease diagnostic criteria applied on an adolescent chronic fatigue syndrome cohort: evaluation of subgroup differences and prognostic utility. BMJ Paediatrics Open. 2018;2(1):e000233. doi:10.1136/bmjpo-2017", "score": 0.5265625 }, { "number": 2, "title": "Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome", "detail": "www.acpjournals.org", "url": "https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M15-0114", "authors": "www.acpjournals.org", "host": "www.acpjournals.org", "snippet": "The Institute of Medicine recently released new diagnostic criteria for CFS that require the presence of postexertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, and", "score": 0.6407488 }, { "number": 3, "title": "Diagnostic Methods for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue ...", "detail": "www.acpjournals.org", "url": "https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.7326/M15-0443", "authors": "www.acpjournals.org", "host": "www.acpjournals.org", "snippet": "The diagnosis of ME/CFS is based on clinical crite- ria that attempt to distinguish it from other conditions that also present with fatigue.", "score": 0.5246632 }, { "number": 4, "title": "Effects of a symptom-titrated exercise program on fatigue and quality of life in people with post-COVID condition – a randomized controlled trial | Scientific Reports", "detail": "www.nature.com", "url": "https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-82584-4", "authors": "www.nature.com", "host": "www.nature.com", "snippet": "A recent meta-analysis by Fernandez-de-Las-Peñas et al.29.\") found that two years post infection, 28% of PCC patients still suffered from fatigue. These data emphasize the long-term trajectory PCC has in many individuals. A certain proportion of those who experience long-term PCC fatigue will meet t", "score": 0.315515 }, { "number": 5, "title": "Unravelling shared mechanisms: insights from recent ME/CFS research to illuminate long COVID pathologies", "detail": "www.cell.com", "url": "https://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/fulltext/S1471-4914(24)00028-5", "authors": "www.cell.com", "host": "www.cell.com", "snippet": "Approximately half of patients with long COVID (LC) fulfil the diagnostic criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic illness often triggered by an initiating acute event, mainly viral", "score": 0.7173491 }, { "number": 6, "title": "Unravelling shared mechanisms: insights from recent ME/CFS ...", "detail": "www.cell.com", "url": "https://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/fulltext/S1471-4914%2824%2900028-5", "authors": "www.cell.com", "host": "www.cell.com", "snippet": "Approximately half of patients with long COVID (LC) fulfil the diagnostic criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome", "score": 0.5201313 }, { "number": 7, "title": "The persistence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic ...", "detail": "www.sciencedirect.com", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163445324002317", "authors": "www.sciencedirect.com", "host": "www.sciencedirect.com", "snippet": "by A Dehlia · 2024 · Cited by 96 — Review. The persistence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) after SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Read more", "score": 0.3059777 }, { "number": 8, "title": "eLearning improves allied health professionals' knowledge ...", "detail": "www.sciencedirect.com", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022399923003197", "authors": "www.sciencedirect.com", "host": "www.sciencedirect.com", "snippet": "by MD Jones · 2023 · Cited by 3 — Prevalence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) in Australian primary care patients: only part of the story? BMC Public Health, 22 ...Read more", "score": 0.19141869 }, { "number": 9, "title": "Diagnosis and Management of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome", "detail": "www.sciencedirect.com", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025619623004020", "authors": "www.sciencedirect.com", "host": "www.sciencedirect.com", "snippet": "Under a Creative Commons license\n\nOpen access\n\n## Abstract\n\nMyalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic neurologic disease often preceded by infection. There has been increased interest in ME/CFS recently because of its significant overlap with the post-COVID syndrome (l", "score": 0.5052006 }, { "number": 10, "title": "Pacing and Exercise in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - ScienceDirect", "detail": "www.sciencedirect.com", "url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031940605654570", "authors": "www.sciencedirect.com", "host": "www.sciencedirect.com", "snippet": "### Based on reading popularity\n\n## Cited by (50)\n\nPacing and self-management education was provided to all participants in the control group. Pacing is a strategy in which patients are encouraged to achieve an appropriate balance between activity and rest in order to avoid exacerbation and to set r", "score": 0.40910333 }, { "number": 11, "title": "Are Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID Part of the Same Disorder?", "detail": "journals.lww.com", "url": "https://journals.lww.com/neurotodayonline/fulltext/2024/04180/are_myalgic_encephalomyelitis_chronic_fatigue.7.aspx", "authors": "journals.lww.com", "host": "journals.lww.com", "snippet": "Title: Are Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID Part of the Same Disorder?\n* Image 2: American Academy of Neurology. # Are Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID Part of the Same Disorder? **A study of 17 patients with myalgic encephalomyelit", "score": 0.77405477 }, { "number": 12, "title": "Updated Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Long COVID", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10990882", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "133.Wormgoor ME, Rodenburg SC. Focus on post-exertional malaise when approaching ME/CFS in specialist healthcare improves satisfaction and reduces deterioration. _Front Neurol_. 2023. 14:1247698. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1247698 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]\n 134.Sanal-Hayes NE", "score": 0.6186197 }, { "number": 13, "title": "Management of long COVID-19 in children and adolescents: from diagnosis to therapeutically approaches", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12983845", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "151.Seo JW, Kim SE, Kim Y, _et al._ Updated clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of long COVID. _Infect Chemother_. 2024;56(1):122–157. doi: doi: 10.3947/ic.2024.0024 . [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]\n 152.Komaroff AL, Lipkin WI. ME/CFS and long COVID s", "score": 0.51793724 }, { "number": 14, "title": "2017 HIVMA of IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Chronic Pain in Patients Living With HIV", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5848240", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "Fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue syndrome, renamed myalgic encephalopathy (ME), and proposed renaming as “systemic exertion intolerance disease” by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2015, is a serious, complex, multisystem disease; it is a controversial diagnosis that remains poorly described. ME h", "score": 0.44492707 }, { "number": 15, "title": "Post-COVID Interstitial Lung Disease and Other Lung Sequelae", "detail": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9983785", "authors": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "putting forth the term CFS/ME.53, 54, 55Box 1 displays the criteria for CFS/ME.Box 1Criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome Diagnosis requires that the patient has the following three symptoms:1.A substantial reduction or impairment in the ability to engage in pre-illness lev", "score": 0.43655056 }, { "number": 16, "title": "Selected Long-Term Health Effects Stemming from COVID-19 and Functional Implications - Long-Term Health Effects of COVID-19 - NCBI Bookshelf", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK607399", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "In the United Kingdom, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, and the Royal College of General Practitioners jointly developed a guideline addressing identification, assessment, and management of the long-term effects of COVID-19 and o", "score": 0.31576815 }, { "number": 17, "title": "Chronic Conditions That Predominantly Impact or Affect Women Differently - Advancing Research on Chronic Conditions in Women - NCBI Bookshelf", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK607719", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "Given the complexity of the symptoms of ME/CFS, treatment requires a customized, integrated approach. Attention must first be given to any comorbid conditions, such as depression, sleep dysfunction, and pain. Research has demonstrated that cognitive behavior therapy and exercise are effective (Turne", "score": 0.30464175 }, { "number": 18, "title": "IOM 2015 Diagnostic Criteria | ME/CFS | CDC", "detail": "www.cdc.gov", "url": "https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/hcp/diagnosis/iom-2015-diagnostic-criteria-1.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fme-cfs%2Fhealthcare-providers%2Fdiagnosis%2Fiom-2015-diagnostic-criteria.html", "authors": "www.cdc.gov", "host": "www.cdc.gov", "snippet": "Title: IOM 2015 Diagnostic Criteria | ME/CFS | CDC\nShare sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. * Managing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. * Information on CDC's ME/CFS Program. Clinical Overview Diagnosing M", "score": 0.75027883 }, { "number": 19, "title": "[PDF] What Is ME/CFS? | CDC", "detail": "www.cdc.gov", "url": "https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/pdfs/toolkit/what-is-mecfs_508.pdf", "authors": "www.cdc.gov", "host": "www.cdc.gov", "snippet": "DIAGNOSIS Diagnosis relies on a detailed medical and social history, physical exams, laboratory tests, and evaluation of other conditions that may resemble ME/CFS or be present as comorbidities. ME/CFS diagnosis requires all three symptoms occur at least half of the time with moderate, substantial, ", "score": 0.7471924 }, { "number": 20, "title": "Accurate diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome based upon objective test methods for characteristic symptoms - PMC", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4482824", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "## CONCLUSION\n\nAlthough the labels ME and CFS are often used interchangeably, the diagnostic criteria for ME and CFS define two distinct, partially overlapping, clinical entities. ME, whether defined by the original or the new consensus criteria, is not equivalent to CFS. Muscle weakness, cognitive ", "score": 0.6296157 }, { "number": 21, "title": "Recommendations - Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - NCBI Bookshelf", "detail": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK284910", "authors": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "host": "www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov", "snippet": "The committee's careful review of the literature, together with the input of patients and clinicians, revealed that ME/CFS is a complex disorder characterized by a prolonged, significant decrease in function; fatigue; postexertional malaise; unrefreshing sleep; difficulties with information processi", "score": 0.6150191 }, { "number": 22, "title": "Treatment of ME/CFS in Children | Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) | CDC", "detail": "archive.cdc.gov", "url": "https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/me-cfs/me-cfs-children/children-treatment.html", "authors": "archive.cdc.gov", "host": "archive.cdc.gov", "snippet": "PEM can be addressed by activity management, also called pacing. The goal of pacing is for children with ME/CFS to learn to balance rest and activity to avoid PEM flare-ups caused by exertion that they cannot tolerate. To do this, patients need to find their individual limits for mental and physical", "score": 0.60245985 }, { "number": 23, "title": "[PDF] Abbreviated Title: - ClinicalTrials.gov", "detail": "cdn.clinicaltrials.gov", "url": "https://cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/73/NCT04595773/Prot_SAP_000.pdf", "authors": "cdn.clinicaltrials.gov", "host": "cdn.clinicaltrials.gov", "snippet": "(beyond what would be expected from hospitalization), which persists for weeks beyond hospital discharge. This has since been supported by other recent reports (7, 29). Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM), a feature of ME/CFS has been reported among individuals post-COVID (30), and described as “worsening", "score": 0.379241 }, { "number": 24, "title": "[PDF] A Platform Protocol for Evaluation of ... - ClinicalTrials.gov", "detail": "cdn.clinicaltrials.gov", "url": "https://cdn.clinicaltrials.gov/large-docs/80/NCT06305780/Prot_SAP_001.pdf", "authors": "cdn.clinicaltrials.gov", "host": "cdn.clinicaltrials.gov", "snippet": "to assess over a 7-day look back period at baseline, and at all other timepoints, the look back period will be since the last study visit. RECOVER-AUTO Version 2.0 06-OCT-2023 27 It was previously validated in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Frequency is rated on a ", "score": 0.2567439 } ], "publishedAt": "2026-09-16T01:13:11.033721+00:00", "updatedAt": "2026-09-16T01:13:11.033721+00:00", "readingMinutes": 6, "slug": "myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome" }