ME - myalgic encephalomyelitis - is a chronic, weakening disease which affects over 250,000 men, women and children in the UK and can develop in children as young as 5 years old.
ME is considered to be a fluctuating condition where the intensity and severity can change day-to-day making it an unpredictable and hard to manage condition. However, there are no effective treatments available on the NHS and ME receives far less research funding then any other disease for example MS - multiple sclerosis - receives 20 times more research funding than ME. A study conducted saw how in healthy people when they pursue exercise they receive an increased blood flow to the brain and heart and increased oxygen uptake whereas in people with ME they face reduced blood flow to the brain and heart and reduced oxygen uptake showing how clearly this is a physical illness.
On Thursday 24th January, the House of Commons held a debate for the first time in 20 years on ME. This was held by MP Carol Monaghan who asked for more funding for biomedical research and an increased medical training in this area to better support patients. She stated that “there is currently no cure for ME and many with the condition experience inadequate care and support.” Although some patients do improve over the course of time, it is only a small majority that return to maximum, full health. She continued to say how “ultimately what I want, and what the ME community wants, is better treatment and care for those with ME.”
Concluding the one hour and a half debate the motion was passed unanimously concluding that “this House calls on the Government to provide increased funding for biomedical research into the diagnosis and treatment of ME”. A patient who would like to remain anonymous states that “this is a positive first step and hopefully will develop to more understanding in ME and allow proper research to take place so that I can achieve my potential”.
