Subtyping Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) By Course of Illness

Abstract

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are debilitating illnesses, often presenting with neurological, immunological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and hormonal symptoms The severity of symptoms and levels of functional disability experienced can vary drastically from patient to patient, suggesting there may be distinct clinical courses that have yet to be identified. In the most extreme cases, patients are bedbound and depend entirely on caretakers for support. Community based studies have determined that approximately 25% of patients are housebound and 64.3% are on disability, with only 15.1% of patients currently employed In short, those diagnosed with these illnesses represent