MEDICAL MATTERS
- Medical Matters features questions asked by Members of the ME Association on health-related topics.
- Dr Charles Shepherd and the ME Association's other advisers answer these questions by sharing their expert knowledge.
- Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor’ series in ME Essential magazine.
- It is a free resource that supplements the detailed information contained in the full range of literature that can be found in the website shop.
Search all questions
Choose a letter to see our categories
- Show all
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- H
- I
- J
- K
- L
- M
- N
- O
- P
- Q
- R
- S
- T
- U
- V
- W
- Y
- 5
- ME Connect
- ME/CFS
- ME/CFS Biobank
- MMR
- MNA
- MRI
- MS
- MUST
- Macrocytosis
- Magnesium
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Mainstream Media
- Malnutrition
- Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
- Management
- Manchester Brain Bank
- Mast Cell Disease
- Mast Cells
- Media
- Medical Condition
- Medical Consent
- Medical Disclosure
- Medical Records
- Medical Research
- Medical assessment
- Medications
- Melatonin
- Memory
- Memory Problems
- Menieres’s Disease
- Meningitis
- Menopause
- Menstruation
- Mental Function Assessment
- Mental Health
- Mental Health Act 1983
- Mepivacaine
- Mestinon
- Metabolism
- Metabolites
- Metabolomics
- Methylprednisolone
- Metoclopramide
- Micro Clots
- Microbiome
- Microbiota
- Migraine
- Minerals
- Mini Nutritional Assessment
- Mirtazapine
- Mitochondria
- Mobility
- Modafinil
- Molnupiravir
- Mononeuropathy
- Mortality
- Motor Neuropathy
- Mouth Ulcers
- Multidisciplinary
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscle
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Pain
- Muscle Relaxants
- Muscle Spasm
- Muscle Wasting
- Muscle Weakness
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
- Myalgic Encephalopathy
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Myelin Sheath
- Myoclonic jerks
- Myoclonus
- Myopathy
- Myositis
Questions in the Category: MS
Multiple Sclerosis
I was given a diagnosis of CFS by my GP (who won't use the term ME) just over a year ago. This was based on symptoms and some blood tests (which were all normal) to rule out other possible causes. I have all the main symptoms of ME/CFS – fatigue, poor memory and concentration, unrefreshing sleep – as well as some of the less common ones. I also have a close friend with multiple sclerosis (MS) and I've been struck by the similarity of some of my other CFS symptoms – tingling feelings and occasional loss of sensation, eye symptoms, being unable to tolerate hot weather – to those of multiple sclerosis. Is this something I should discuss with my GP? I should also point out that my ME/CFS came on very gradually – there was no obvious triggering infection – and that my level of health and disability has fluctuated quite a lot over the past year, often for no obvious explanation.
Investigations: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
I have been referred to a neurologist who has arranged for me to have an MRI scan. This will involve the use of a dye/contrast agent called gadolinium. Is this a safe procedure to have for people with ME/CFS? Can it be used to confirm a diagnosis of ME? And can MRI brain scans cause any adverse reactions?
Immune system research at the ME Biobank
I saw a report on the MEA website in June about Professor Eleanor Riley presenting some findings from a Biobank immune system study to an ME/CFS research conference in Chicago. Please could you tell us something about the immunological studies that are being carried out at the Biobank?
Dr Charles Shepherd
Dr Shepherd has been Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association for more than 40 years. He is integral to the charity's activities and provides information and support based on his professional knowledge, personal experience as a doctor with ME/CFS, and the understanding gained from helping many thousands of people with the condition. He was a member of the comittee responsible for the 2021 NICE Clinical Guideline and is a recognised expert on ME/CFS in the UK. His knowledge extends to Post-Viral Fatigue Syndromes (PVFS), Myalgic Encephalopathy/Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or Long Covid.
If you have questions about ME/CFS or Long Covid, you can:
- Review the free information in the What is ME/CFS? section of the website, and the free Covid-19 and Long Covid information in the website shop.
- Review the largest range of literature covering all aspects of living with ME/CFS. Download detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, management, co-mordities, employment, education, related health conditions, The 2021 NICE Clinical Guideline, welfare benefits etc.
- Join the ME Association as a member and you'll receive the highly-rated ME Essential magazine, and you can ask questions of the charity’s expert advisers including Dr Shepherd.
- Contact us via the ME Connect Telephone Helpline (open 365 days a year) and speak to one of the national team of fully-trained volunteers who waiting to provide information and support.
- Contact us via email or social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn.
Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor‘ series featured in the highly-regarded member’s magazine, ME Essential, and in the healthcare professional magazine, ME Medical. Both are produced by the ME Association and published as hard-copy magazines every 3 months and sent to members and healthcare professionals by post to home or business addresses.
If you are an HCP you can sign-up here to receive ME Medical magazine (people with ME/CFS can also nominate their HCP by completing the sign-up form).
