ME Symptom management
& referral
Bateman Horne Centre
Medical considerations when treating urgently ill patients with underlying myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Centres for Disease Control (US)
While there is no cure or approved treatment, some ME/CFS symptoms can be treated or managed (2021)
ME/CFS Crash Survival Guidebook: The Art of Living with ME/CFS
The guidebook can be viewed online, downloaded, or printed – in color or black and white.
Designed for patients, allies supporting patients and for medical providers, this guidebook aims to help the individual prepare in advance for a crash/PEM episode, ensuring their critical needs are met. It offers guidance in carrying out everyday living activities that support energy conservation with ME/CFS.
Harm of exercise in ME/CFS
Workwell Foundation's letter to healthcare providers
Opposition to Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ME/CFS
Pacing management
Pacing Tutorial (aimed for patients, intro for clinicians to support patients)
Surgical considerations for ME patients
Dental procedures
Anecdotally, many with ME are sensitive to epinephrine in dental freezing, causing reactions and occasionally, relapses.
Provincial referral support*
Complex Chronic Disease Program (BC Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Vancouver)
*Please consider waitlists are lengthy for patients to be seen. Physician to physician consultations may be available to support family physicians.
The CCDP also publishes a Community and Financial Resources in BC Guide (updated June 2022).
A Physiotherapist's Guide to Understanding and Managing ME/CFS
The book’s primary audience is all physiotherapists, not just those who work in ME services, as it contains information relevant to any physiotherapy practice that must be adapted to work safely with people with ME.
The book is available in print and ebook formats through online sellers such as Amazon. You can also ask your local bookstore to stock it from the publisher (Jessica Kingsley Publishers).
Other considerations
Specialist referrals for co-morbities
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POTS/Orthostatic Intolerance
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Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
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Gastrointestinal symptoms, IBS
Referrals for in-home visits
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OT home assessment/support
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In-home lab services