Medscape: Fast Five Quiz: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)

Medscape has made a quiz based on the consensus recommendations from the US ME/CFS Clinical Coalition.

Here are the questions with the answers to choose from:

Question 1
According to 2020 consensus recommendation, which of these is a symptom required for a diagnosis of ME/CFS?

• Myalgia
• Unrefreshing Sleep
• Dyspnea
• Syncope

Question 2
Which is considered a common comorbidity of ME/CFS?

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Hypertension
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy

Question 3
According to 2020 consensus recommendations, which laboratory study is recommended in all patients with suspected ME/CFS?

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Hemoglobin A1c
• Prothombin time
• Creatine kinase

Question 4
Which is recommended for nonpharmacologic treatment of postexertional malaise associated with ME/CFS?

• Cognitive-behavioural therapy
• Graded exercise therapy
• High-intensity interval training
• Ear plugs, eye mask, and perfume free environments to decrease sensory stimulation

Question 5
Which medication is recommended to treat sleep issues in patients with ME/CFS?

• Benzodiazepines
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• Trazadone
• Low-dose beta blockers

 

Each question is then followed with some additional information. Very nice to see the this information in connection with question 4:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and graded exercise therapy were recommended for ME/CFS in the past. However, studies supporting those approaches have been widely criticized. New recommended nonpharmacologic approaches to conserve energy and to minimize postexertional malaise include:

• Pacing of physical and cognitive activity
  
  
• Use of assistive devices, such as motorized scooters, handicap parking stickers, and shower chairs to conserve energy
  
  
• Use of home health aides for those who are more severely ill
  
  
• Use of ear plugs, eye masks, and perfume-free environments to decrease sensory stimulation
  
  
• School or work accommodations, such as flexible hours and shortened days
  

 

I noticed a couple of spelling errors:

(Question 2) Hyptothyroidism
(Question 5) Trazadone

 

Thanks and sorry about that. The first is my spelling error (and now fixed), but the other is how Medscape is spelling it. What is the correct spelling?

ETA: Googled it. Seems it's Trazodone?

 

Well, I scored zero. It's all guessing what the 'experts' guess is correct, since they don't actually know for sure.

 

Yes.

 

Great to see this quiz!

I got question #5 wrong.

Other than dyspnea in question 1, it was difficult to choose between Myalgia and unrefreshing sleep. Although I know the IOM cited unrefreshing sleep as one of the main symptoms.

And, I think it's more frequently the case pwME experience pre-syncope, and not frequent syncope.