top of page

Managing Specific Symptoms

We aim to collate information here to help you manage your ME/CFS and the specific symptoms that may be present, particularly as our team deliver presentations on these topics. 

DISCLAIMER: MECFS Canterbury does not provide recommendations for any treatments for your particular situation on this website. Any advice, either explicit or implied, is not intended to replace the qualified medical advice that is necessary for each individual. Please discuss any lifestyle and treatment changes with your doctor first. MECFS Canterbury does not accept any responsibility for any treatment undertaken by readers of any content or for any error or omission in connection with an article or content published on this website.

Overview of ME/CFS and its Management

We invite you to watch our presentation about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its Management on our YouTube channel.  


This presentation covers: 

  • What we know about ME/CFS 

  • The diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS 

  • Impacts and severity spectrum 

  • Key management principles and approaches 

  • How to make a meaningful life

 

Management approaches include identifying the most problematic symptom first and exploring options for improvements, along with implementing pacing and activity management.​

​

There is also a pdf of the slide deck available. 

Orthostatic Intolerance (OI)

Orthostatic Inolerance (OI) is an umbrella term ​for several conditions in which symptoms are worsened by assuming and maintaining an upright posture.​

​

When someone with OI stands up or sits for too long, they may experience symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness, spatial disorientation, feeling faint, sweating, headaches, nausea and palpitations. Many symptoms improve with lying down, although some take hours or days to resolve.

​

People with ME/CFS may have low OI, or meet the criteria for the more severe Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)​ or Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH). Diagnosis involves ruling out other causes, a Tilt Table or NASA Lean test, and assessments such as Hours of Upright Activity (HUA). 

​

OI symptoms is one of the most treatable symptoms associated with ME/CFS and it is usually possible to increase functional capacity through the following management approaches:

  • Increase blood volume by drinking water and consuming more sodium (if safe for you to do so).

  • Provide mechanical support by using compression garments and postural counter manoeuvres (movement that moves the blood up the legs to the heart). 

  • Make lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding overheating, alcohol, large meals. 

  • Introduce movement or gentle exercise done in a lying down or recumbent position first. 

​

We invite you to watch our talk about Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and its Management on our YouTube channel. A pdf of the slide deck is also available. ​

Further Reading

  • Clinical Care Guide from Bateman Horne Centre, USA, a 98 page document published 2025. This covers the basics and common co-morbidities.

  • Clinical Primer from IACFSME (International [Clinician] Association for CFS/ME), 2014. Particularly Section 5 Management and Treatment. 

  • Advice from ME Association UK, who are strongly evidence-based. They provide general guidance and leaflets covering various supplements, therapies and medications https://meassociation.org.uk/free-literature-downloads/ 

  • Visit our Links page for more information.

bottom of page