An illness similar to non-paralytic poliomyelitis

National Alliance for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis:

Dr Ramsay's Definition for M.E.:

"The illness, though similar to non-paralytic poliomyelitis in many clinical aspect, could clearly be distinguished and was diagnosed as Benign Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

This name gives a clearer clinical description than many of the eponyms used previously (Iceland Disease, Akureyri's Disease, Epidemic Neuromyasthenia) or invented subsequently (Post viral syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome).

These share the common disadvantage of obscuring the world-wide incidence or of trivializing the clinical severity of the illness."

Dr. Ramsay, together with Dr. Dowsett, listed this criteria for M.E. in 1990 in the same article (just prior to his death):

"We adopted the following criteria:

"A syndrome initiated by a viral infection commonly described as a respiratory/gastro intestinal illness but a gradual or more dramatic onset following neurological, cardiac or endocrine disability is recognised.

"The cardinal features, in a patient who has previously been physically and mentally fit, with a good work record are:

(1)Generalised or localised muscle fatigue after minimal exertion with prolonged recovery time.

(2)Neurological disturbance, especially of cognitive, autonomic and sensory functions, often accompanied by marked emotional lability and sleep reversal.

(3)Variable involvement of cardiac and other bodily systems.

(4)An extended relapsing course with a tendency to chronicity.

(5)Marked variability of symptoms both within and between episodes."