ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

What is myalgic encephalomyelitis?

30 December 2025

It is a disabling condition that, over the years, alters various body systems and is characterized by chronic fatigue that prevents a person from performing common, everyday tasks.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID), is persistent and intense, and does not improve with sleep or rest.

It affects children, young people, and adults, with women between 40 and 60 years of age being at the highest risk of suffering from it.

The cause is currently unknown, but clinical research points to several factors that collectively trigger this illness, which can be aggravated after physical or mental activity. These factors include:

  • Stress episodes.
  • Genetic and environmental factors.
  • Infections (COVID-19, Epstein-Barr, and Q fever).
  • Alterations in the immune system.

Signs and symptoms Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

  • Allergies.
  • Vision changes.
  • Chronic tiredness/fatigue.
  • Fainting.
  • Weakness.
  • Difficulty thinking (“brain fog”).
  • Joint and muscle pain.
  • Sore throat.
  • Chills.
  • Dizziness.
  • Problems with reasoning and memory.
  • Tenderness in the lymph nodes of the neck or under the arms.
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or odors.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Night sweats.
  • Sleep disorders.

Diagnosis and treatment Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

The specialist will analyze the symptoms and clinical history and will carry out various tests to corroborate the diagnosis, including:

  • Blood tests.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
  • Computed Tomography (CT scan).

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has no cure, so the treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms through:

  • Anxiolytics.
  • Antidepressants.
  • Changes in eating habits.
  • Relaxation and breathing tools.
  • Pain relievers (analgesics).
  • Sleep management techniques.
  • Psychological therapy.

In the Internal Medicine Department at ABC Medical Center, we provide medical care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, covering both chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related centers and departments Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Internal medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • sfcsqm.com
  • cdc.gov
  • nih.gov
  • cigna.com
  • elsevier.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Macías TAB, Feliciano CA, Montiel OYD, et al. Perfil sociodemográfico por sindrome de fatiga crónica en México. Rev Elec Psic Izt. 2015;18(1):.
  • Cubillo BB. Síndrome de fatiga crónica. Rev Med Cos Cen. 2013;70(607):423-428.
  • Arredondo BAE, Arredondo RAE, Trujillo LYL. El síndrome de fatiga crónica en el curso de la hepatitis C.
  • Presentación de un caso. Revista Médica Electrón. 2020;42(3):.

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