List of symptoms in ME CFS/ICC/Pediatric

Children and teenagers have the same diagnostic criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis as those used for adults.

Symptoms may progress more slowly in children than in teenagers or adults. In addition to post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion, the most prominent symptoms tend to be neurological: headaches, cognitive impairments, and sleep disturbances.

• Headaches: Severe or chronic headaches are often debilitating. Migraine may be accompanied by a rapid drop in temperature, shaking, vomiting, diarrhoea and severe weakness.
• Neurocognitive Impairments: Difficulty focusing eyes and reading are common. Children may become dyslexic, which may only be evident when fatigued. Slow processing of information makes it difficult to follow auditory instructions or take notes. All cognitive impairments worsen with physical or mental exertion. Young people will not be able to maintain a full school program.
• Pain may seem erratic and migrate quickly. Joint hypermobility is common.

Note: Fluctuation and severity hierarchy of numerous prominent symptoms tend to vary rapidly and dramatically.

Learn more

• List of symptoms in ME/CFS

• International Consensus Criteria