What is M.E.?

The following definition of ME is taken from: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/testingforme.htm#69971867

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a systemic neurological disease initiated by a viral infection which is characterised by (scientifically measurable) damage to the brain stem which results in dysfunctions and damage to almost all vital bodily systems and a loss of normal internal homeostasis. Substantial evidence suggests that M.E. is caused by an enterovirus. The onset of M.E. is always acute and M.E. can be diagnosed within just a few weeks. M.E. is an easily recognisable distinct organic neurological disease which can be verified by objective testing. If all tests are normal, then a diagnosis of M.E. cannot be correct.
M.E. can occur in both epidemic and sporadic forms and can be extremely disabling, or sometimes fatal. M.E. is a chronic/lifelong disease that has existed for centuries. It shares significant similarities with diseases such as MS, Lupus and Polio as well as end-stage AIDS. There are more than 60 different neurological, cognitive, cardiac, metabolic, immunological, and other M.E. symptoms. Fatigue is not a defining nor even essential symptom of M.E. People with M.E. would give anything to instead only be severely ‘fatigued.’ Far fewer than 0.5% of the population has the distinct neurological disease known since 1956 as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

For a more detailed definition of ME see: http://www.nightingale.ca/documents/Nightingale_ME_Definition_en.pdf
Links to both websites can be found on the right-hand side of this page.