Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ ME (CFS/ME)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a complex condition with a range of symptoms. It is classified as a neurological illness by the World Health Organsisation (WHO 2010) and for the purposes of the Equality Act (2010), the Department of Health NICE Guidelines (2007) recommmend it should be considered in the same light as Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

It is not clear what causes CFS/ME but theories suggest it could be due to 

• a viral illness
• a significant life event such as bereavement, domestic difficulties, financial stresses
• stress due to emotional life events
• hormone changes as experienced during puberty or the menapause

​Presenting symptoms include:

• Chronic and unrelenting fatigue unrelieved by rest or sleep
• Cognitive difficulties; poor short term memory, recall and retention of information, word finding problems
• Difficulty concentrating and focussing on a task, problems with sequencing of activites, difficulty following a television program or film or focussing on a book
• Recurrent sore throats with no known infection
• Persistent headaches
• Frequent swollen glands in neck, armpits and groin
• Chronic pain; deep seated aching in muscles and painful joints
• Intermittent palpitations
• Frequent lightheadedness or dizziness
• Irritable bowel symptoms; fluctuations between diarrhoea and constipation
• Irritable bladder; increased urgency and frequency to pass water
• Frequent nausea and loss of appetite
• Sensitivity to noise or light

Aims of intervention:

The Castle Dene Fatigue Clinic provides specialist intervention for patients with CFS/ME in the North East of England. Fatigue is a symptom that is becoming more and more commonly experienced due to our busy '24/7' lifestyles. We use pacing, fatigue management advice, graded exercise therapy where appropriate and sleep management advice, to support our patients. We aim to make you the expert in your condition and our sessions focus on education and advice regarding the condition and its presenting symptoms. We spend time looking at your current levels of function and the activities that you are required to participate in each day; education, family responsibilities, employment, hobbies and social activities. We aim for a collaborative approach, working together to develop a management plan that is both realistic and achievable.