Q: Michele K asked, “Why do some CFS/ME specialists refer to ME as ‘myalgic encephalopathy’ and other refer to ‘myalgic encephalomyelitis’? Doesn’t this add to patient and public confusion?” A: The term “myalgic encephalomyelitis” was coined by the British physician, Dr. Melvin Ramsay, in the 1950’s when he described an outbreak that occurred in London. […]
Deborah B asked, “Do the concentration and memory deficits in CFS/ME lead to Alzheimer’s?” A: The short answer is “no.” The cognitive deficits in CFS/ME include slow processing, poor recall, reduced attention and distractibility. These deficits wax and wane over time, and do not appear to be permanent. As PWCs improve their cognitive issues […]
Bobby B wrote: “I often get conflicting answers to this question. Is CFS/ME/FM an autoimmune disease?” A: Bobby, I don’t mean to conflict you further but the answer is “yes, and no.” Autoimmunity is certainly part of the CFS/ME/FM conundrum, but the disorder also affects the central nervous system, endocrine system, the muscles, and […]
Christopher M. queried, “Is it common for PWCs to have muscle spasms and tremors?” Spasms, fasciculation (worm-like or “crawling” muscles), cramping, myoclonus (brief jerking movements, especially at night), tremors and other neurological symptoms are actually fairly common in CFS/ME/FM. Muscular phenomena (spasms, fasciculation, and cramping) are usually due to reflexive muscle problems. That is, CFS/ME […]