What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
5. What Is Post-Exertional Malaise?
Although all CFS patients experience fatigue, some are more affected than others by activities that require even minor levels of exertion. This often results in a secondary diagnosis of post-exertional malaise. Patients with PEM suffer extreme exhaustion after even relatively minor physical, emotional or mental exertion.
A PEM episode will usually develop 12 to 24 hours after the period of exertion. It can last for anywhere from several days to weeks. Those who experience severe post-external malaise should learn what activities trigger episodes and how they can minimize their impact.
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