Table 1 Phenomenological similarities between encephalomyelitis disseminata/multiple sclerosis (MS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Phenomenology | MS | ME/CFS |
|---|---|---|
Disabling fatigue | ✓ | ✓ |
Severe exercise intolerance | ✓ | ✓ |
Mental fatigue | ✓ | ✓ |
‘Pacing’ as an energy conservation strategy | ✓ | ✓ |
Worsening of symptoms following exercise | ✓ | ✓ |
Orthostatic intolerance | ✓ | ✓ |
Gastrointestinal dysfunction | ✓ | ✓ |
Cardiac dysrhythmias | ? | ✓ |
Postural hypotension | ✓ | ✓ |
Diminished cardiac response to exercise | ✓ | ✓ |
Relapsing-remitting nature | ✓ | ✓ |
Chronic course | ✓ | ✓ |
Disease exacerbated by infections | ✓ | ✓ |
Disease exacerbated by psychological stress | ✓ | ✓ |
Disease worsened or precipitated by infections | ✓ | ✓ |