ME/CFS is a multi-system disease in which patients experience immune, endocrine, neurological, digestive, and musculoskeletal symptoms. There are over 60 symptoms reported by people with ME/CFS. The common symptoms are listed below but not limited to what may define an individual experience.
Most Common Symptoms
- Post-exertional malaise (symptoms worsen after exertion)
- Persistent fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Pain (muscle pain, headaches)
Neurological | Cognitive Symptoms
- Brain Fog
- Confusion and Disorientation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Short-term memory issues
- Ataxia and muscle weakness
- Hypersensitivity to noise and light
Autonomic | Immune | Digestive Symptoms
- Orthostatic intolerance
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
- Recurrent flu-like symptoms
- Sweating / Fever
- Nausea & IBS
- New sensitivities to food, medication, chemicals
- Sore throat
- Tender lymph nodes
- Light-headedness
- Change in body weight
- Temperature instability
- Change in appetite