Chronic fatigue syndrome

Virtually everyone feels tired, or even exhausted, every now and again. We usually know why this has come about and the feeling wears off, either spontaneously or after a little extra rest. This is not the case with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). CFS patients feel perpetually tired and exhausted and also have a host of other physical complaints. CFS is also known as ‘ME’ (myalgic encephalomyelitis), a term that the Committee does not use since it erroneously implies the presence of an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.  CFS is a controversial disorder. There are people both within and outside the world of medicine who believe that it does exist, and others who believe that it does not. This situation has given rise to major differences of opinion concerning the ability of CFS patients to work, and thus to their entitlement to social security benefit.