ME/CFS

The acronym ME/CFS is commonly used as an umbrella term to cover the various case definitions employed to describe myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and/or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Case definitions vary widely, with some being so broad as to cover numerous unrelated illnesses. Even among the narrower case definitions, it is unclear if ME is equivalent to CFS, is a specific form of it, or something entirely different. In ME/CFS research, the terms are often used synonymously, though there is no clear evidence to support either equating them or separating them.

The acronym CFS/ME is used by the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website page is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

ME was the original name for CFS; the names are used interchangeably or with the acronym ME/CFS.

"The most common overlapping condition with ME/CFS is fibromyalgia."

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Persons living with ME/CFS