What causes ME?
M.E. is an acute (sudden) onset neurological disease initiated by a virus infection (an enterovirus) with multi system involvement which is characterised by post encephalitic damage to the brain stem; a nerve centre through which many spinal nerve tracts connect with higher centres in the brain in order to control all vital bodily functions. This is always damaged in M.E., hence the name 'Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.'
M.E. can occur in both epidemic and sporadic forms, over 60 outbreaks of M.E. have been recorded worldwide since 1934. M.E. is similar in a number of significant ways to illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, Lupus and Poliomyelitis (polio). Earlier names for M.E. were 'atypical multiple sclerosis' and 'atypical polio.'
M.E. is a testable and scientifically measurable disease with a number of unique features. It is not difficult to diagnose, even within just a few weeks of onset, using a series of objective tests.
Despite popular opinion, (and the vast amount of 'CFS' government and media propaganda which purports to be relevant to M.E. but is not), there is no link between contracting M.E. and being a 'perfectionist' or having a 'type A' or over-achieving personality. M.E. cannot be caused by a period of long-term or intense stress, trauma or abuse in childhood, becoming run-down or deconditioned, working too hard or not eating healthily. M.E. is not a form of 'burnout' or nervous exhaustion, or the natural result of a body no longer able to cope with long-term stress. M.E. is also not a type of mental, behavioural or somatisation disorder.
Research also shows that it is simply not possible that M.E. could be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, any of the herpes viruses (including HHV6), any of the retroviruses (including XMRV), glandular fever/mononucleosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Ross River virus, Q fever, hepatitis, chicken pox, Mycoplasma infection, Candida, food allergies, influenza or any of the bacteria which can result in Lyme disease (or other tick-borne bacterial infections or Rickettsial infections). M.E. is not caused by thyroid or adrenal issues (including HPA axis or amygdala issues), a negative reaction to a vaccine or a nitric oxide cycle dysfunction. M.E. is also not a form of chemical, mould or heavy metal poisoning.
M.E. is caused by a virus. An enterovirus.
Please see the www.hfme.org site for more information.