Table 2 Details of the important symptoms that characterise CFS/ME and their respective scores. See text for further details

Delayed prolonged post-exertion malaise after increases in physical, mental & emotional activity

3

Non-restorative sleep with frequent difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep

2

Impaired concentration that is reduced further by external stimuli

1

Reduced short term memory with word finding difficulty

1

New onset headaches (>2/mth and different in character from previous headaches)

1

Sore throat with cervical tenderness/recurrent flu-like episodes

1

Arthralgia affecting several joints with stiffness >1 hr but no swelling

1

Myalgia affecting multiple groups and exacerbated by mild exertion

1

Postural instability feeling unstable on standing, prolonged standing or sitting

1

Hypersensitivity to sounds and lights (smells and to a lesser degree taste also)

1