©The Author(s) 2015. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Methodol. Jun 26, 2015; 5(2): 68-87
Published online Jun 26, 2015. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v5.i2.68
Published online Jun 26, 2015. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v5.i2.68
Accurate diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome based upon objective test methods for characteristic symptoms
Frank NM Twisk, ME-de-patiënten Foundation, 1906 HB Limmen, The Netherlands
Author contributions: Twisk FNM designed the study and wrote the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest: None.
Correspondence to: Frank NM Twisk, MBA, BEd, BEc, ME-de-patiënten Foundation, Zonnedauw 15, 1906 HB Limmen, The Netherlands. frank.twisk@hetnet.nl
Telephone: +31-72-5054775
Received: November 5, 2014
Peer-review started: November 6, 2014
First decision: January 20, 2015
Revised: February 20, 2015
Accepted: May 26, 2015
Article in press: May 28, 2015
Published online: June 26, 2015
Processing time: 243 Days and 23.6 Hours
Peer-review started: November 6, 2014
First decision: January 20, 2015
Revised: February 20, 2015
Accepted: May 26, 2015
Article in press: May 28, 2015
Published online: June 26, 2015
Processing time: 243 Days and 23.6 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: The diagnostic criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) define two distinct clinical entities. Cognitive impairment and post-exertional “malaise” (a long-lasting aggravation of typical symptoms, e.g., muscle weakness and cognitive “brain fog”, after minor exertion) are obligatory for the diagnosis ME, while chronic fatigue is the only mandatory symptom for the diagnosis CFS. There is debate about the nature and severity of the symptoms in ME and CFS. For clinical and research purposes it is essential to accurately diagnose patients using objective tests for characteristic symptoms if possible. This article reviews accepted methods to assess various distinctive symptoms of ME and CFS.