Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as ME or myalgicencephalomyelitis, is a neurological condition that can affect a number of areas of the body and have a wide range of symptoms. It gets its name from the most common symptom associated with this condition – Chronic Fatigue.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / ME can vary, but the most common symptoms include:
- Intense fatigue that is not improved by rest and can be made worse after physical / mental exertion
- Sickness / general feelings of being unwell
- Joint and muscle pain
- Complications and discomfort in the stomach and/or intestine
- Difficulty sleeping
- Cognitive issues, such as memory or concentration problems
- Headaches
- Sore throats
- Dizziness
Cause and treatment
Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ ME can be complicated and may often take time as many of the symptoms are also shared with other conditions.
The cause of CFS / ME is not fully understood, making treatment complex. However, there are a number of theories for how the condition may be caused. According to the current evidence, potential triggers of CFS / ME may include:
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Contraction of herpesviruses and enteroviruses
- Hormone imbalances
- Problems with the immune system
- Mental health issues (e.g., stress, emotional trauma)
There is no known cure for CFS / ME, however, a number of treatment options may be considered, depending on the severity and symptoms associated with each case. Drug treatments such as painkillers and anti depressants may be offered to help with the management of specific symptoms.
Other treatments may include prescribed lifestyle changes such as diets and supplements, and in some cases, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may also be considered.
Medical Cannabis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME
For some patients, traditional treatment plans may not be sufficient to effectively manage the symptoms associated with CFS / ME. There is evidence to suggest that medical cannabis may be useful in the management of specific symptoms that are widely associated with this condition, and such therapies may be considered where other treatments have proved ineffective.
While there are currently no studies that have specifically assessed the efficacy of cannabis-based medical products for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, there is evidence that these medicines can be effective in alleviating a number of the symptoms associated with the condition, including pain and inflammation, sleep, and general quality of life.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
