M.E. Diagnostic Criteria

M.E. Foggy Dog prefers to use the M.E. International Consensus Criteria within our campaigning and social entrepreneurship.

The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis International Consensus Criteria (M.E. ICC) is a medical case definition that can accurately diagnose M.E.

A patient will meet the criteria for M.E. if they have:

A – Post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (Compulsory) also known as Post-Exertional Malaise and Post-Exertional Symptom Exacerbation

B – at least ONE neurological impairment symptom from THREE categories:

  • Neurocognitive Impairments
  • Pain
  • Sleep Disturbance
  • Neurosensory, Perceptual and Motor Disturbances

C – at least ONE immune/gastro-intestinal/genitourinary impairment from THREE categories:

  • Flu-like symptoms may be recurrent or chronic and typically activate or worsen with exertion
  • Susceptibility to viral infections with prolonged recovery periods
  • Gastro-intestinal tract
  • Genitourinary
  • Sensitivities to food, medications, odors or chemicals, and

D – at least ONE energy metabolism/ion transport impairment symptom:

  • Cardiovascular
  • Respiratory
  • Loss of thermostatic stability
  • Intolerance of extremes of temperature

For a diagnosis of M.E., symptom severity must result in a significant reduction of a patient’s pre-illness activity level:

  • Mild = 50% reduction in pre-illness activity level
  • Moderate = mostly housebound
  • Severe = mostly bedridden
  • Very severe = totally bedridden and need help with basic functions

The full M.E. ICC document can be found here – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2796.2011.02428.x