6
Assessment Steps
90-120
Minutes Total
3
Criteria Frameworks
Step 1: Initial Presentation
15-20 min
Key History Elements
- Onset timeline - when did symptoms start?
- Preceding infection - viral, bacterial, or other?
- Symptom progression - gradual or sudden?
- Impact on daily activities and work
Key Questions to Ask
- What were you doing before symptoms started?
- Have you had similar symptoms in the past?
- What makes symptoms better or worse?
Diagnostic Criteria Reference
CDC Criteria (1994)
- Substantial reduction in function
- Post-exertional malaise
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Plus either cognitive impairment OR orthostatic intolerance
Canadian Consensus Criteria
- Fatigue
- Post-exertional malaise
- Sleep dysfunction
- Pain
- Two or more neurological/cognitive symptoms
- At least one autonomic symptom
NICE Guidelines (NG206)
- Symptoms for 4+ weeks in adults, 3+ weeks in children
- Symptoms significantly impact daily life
- Rule out other causes
- Consider ME/CFS with appropriate symptom pattern
Apply This Workflow
Use our interactive tools to practice applying this clinical workflow to patient cases.