Abstract:
The needs of children and adolescents severely affected by chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) are currently inadequately addressed in the UK. Sadly, there are few specialists addressing the needs of these patients who are primarily bed-bound, wheelchair users or who can only leave home on an infrequent basis. Uncertainty about what to offer as well of a lack of funding may play a part. Action for Young people with ME (AYME) suggests that at least 350 severely affected children/adolescents are receiving little or inadequate care to help them overcome this debilitating illness. This case report illustrates how recovery can occur with pragmatic rehabilitation combined with a committed compassionate family based approach.
Source: Burgess M, Chalder T. Adolescents with severe chronic fatigue syndrome can make a full recovery. BMJ Case Rep. 2011 May 10;2011. pii: bcr0120113716. doi: 10.1136/bcr.01.2011.3716. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3091076/ (Full article)