Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. 

Guest: Stephanie L. Grach, M.D., M.S. 

Chronic fatigue syndrome is now known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. Despite this change in terminology, there’s still a great deal that’s not known regarding this health problem. Clinical manifestations can include severe, persistent fatigue, often with a worsening of symptoms following physical exertion. Impaired sleep, potential cognitive impairment, and possible orthostatic intolerance is also commonly seen. The exact cause remains unknown, although several proposed mechanisms have come forward. The diagnosis is based on clinical presentation. Patient management, while less than optimal, is usually limited to symptom control. This condition poses a major challenge to primary care clinicians with both establishing a diagnosis and management. To help sort out this frustrating health problem is my guest, Dr. Stephanie Grach, an internist in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic. The topic for today’s podcast is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 

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