Q: Adam W asked about cognitive problems: “Does the ‘brain fog’ or ‘spaced out’ symptom of CFS ever resolve?” A: As with most CFS symptoms, cognitive dysfunction waxes and wanes. One report suggests that IQ falls during a flare of cognitive dysfunction, and our personal experience is that memory, attention, processing speed, and other parameters […]
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 […]
Geraldine O’S asks, “Why is it that so many women with CFS/ME/FM have been diagnosed with endometriosis?” A: PWCs are several times more likely to have concomitant medical problems or comorbidities than unaffected individuals. The most common is Irritable Bowel Syndrome, experienced by up to 60% of PWCs. The next most common is irritable bladder […]
Wendy M. asks, “What is the best way to cope with chemical sensitivity syndrome, especially when everything makes you sick but you need to take antibiotics or medications?” A: Unfortunately, the only way to manage multiple chemical sensitivities is to avoid the offending chemical, odor,fume, or smoke. Exposures can trigger headache, nausea, respiratory symptoms, wheezing, […]
Janet F wondered what records should be kept by the PWC to assist in disability filings. A: The most important record one could keep is a journal of symptoms, activity, appointments, and test results. It is also helpful to have your prior job description, and copies of any personal reviews – particularly if they are […]
Valerie McC wonders what causes the lack of ability to hold onto things? A: Several studies have confirmed a sort of “feedback failure” with respect to muscle contraction and hand-eye coordination in CFS/ME/FM. PWCs believe that they have a good grip on objects, but drop them anyway; they reach for an object but misjudge and […]
Tanya C wonders if a gluten-free diet is something that she should consider. A: In the early 1990’s, Dr. Cheney and I performed gastrointestinal studies on PWCs who complained of abdominal distress. We found that a number of patients had abnormal small intestinal biopsies showing intestinal cells with short villi. These villi are used for […]