On this page, BHC provides resources from CME offerings and other professional literature specific to these diseases.

Continuing Medical Education for Healthcare Professionals

Michigan State Medical Society CME- NEW CME! 

Grand Rounds: Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)

1 Credit hour of AMA PRA Category 1 CME, through May 2025

Description: Post-exertional malaise is an altered physiological state and pathognomonic finding unique to ME/CFS that is now being recognized in those with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), also known as long COVID. This fatigue is accompanied by a profound loss of stamina in functional capacity, and by augmented perturbations of ME/CFS pathophysiology, including worsening of autonomic dysfunction, metabolic efficiency, immune dysfunction, and aberrations in the HPA axis. It is critical that healthcare professionals recognize PEM and support the patient in avoiding a push-crash-cycle which can exacerbate disease processes and contribute to worsened long-term functional prognoses. This lecture will equip providers with information on the pathophysiology of PEM, common triggers, and offer care and management guidance.

Presented by: Dr. Brayden Yellman

Michigan State Medical Society CME- NEW CME! 

Long COVID & Post-Viral Syndromes 

1.5 Credit hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME, through May 2025

Description: The CDC and AAPM&R predict between 10%-30% of people who had COVID-19 will go on to develop Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), also known as Long COVID (AAPM&R). This means anywhere between three and ten million Americans are experiencing symptoms associated with a post-viral syndrome. Healthcare professionals can intervene sooner in the disease process with an increased understanding of post-viral syndromes and their multisystem presentation leading in improved patient outcomes and increased disease manageability. 

Presented by: Dr. Brayden Yellman

Medscape

A Fresh Look at Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Diagnosis and Management of a Multisystem Illness 

0.50 Credit hours of AMA PRA Category 1 CME, through December 2022

Description: This activity is intended for primary care physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers (HCPs) involved in the diagnosis and management of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The goal of this activity is to increase awareness of the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of ME/CFS.

Presented by: Benjamin Natelson, MD; Donna Felsenstein, MD; Mitchell Miglis, MD; Dale Strasser, MD

Michigan State Medical Society CME

Part 1: Update on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Clinical Diagnostic Criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/CFS Now Called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

1 Credit hour of AMA PRA Category 1 CME, renewed through May 2025

Description:This ME/CFS CME module is intended to help medical providers identify the core diagnostic criteria of ME/CFS and more confidently make a diagnosis. Each of the diagnostic criteria will be discussed, supported by a brief discussion of the evidence.

Presented by: Dr. Lucinda Bateman

Part 2: Uniting Compassion, Attention, and Innovation to Treat ME/CFS

1 Credit hour of AMA PRA Category 1 CME, renewed through May 2025

Description:This ME/CFS CME module is designed to help medical providers recognize the major treatable aspects of ME/CFS and design a common sense management plan in the absence of formal treatment guidelines. Focus will be on the core diagnostic criteria and common co-morbid conditions amenable to treatment.

Presented by: Dr. Lucinda Bateman

Indiana University School of Medicine & American Medical Women’s Association

Unrest (Film)

Description: US healthcare providers – including doctors, nurses, and social workers – can now watch Unrest and receive continuing education credits through the American Medical Women’s Association and Indiana University School of Medicine, and in partnership with #MEAction.

Northeastern University School of Nursing
(ANCC-Accredited)

“Why Can’t this Child Get to Class?” Learn how ME/CFS Keeps Youth from Attending School

Description: ME/CFS can cause a level of disability that keeps afflicted children from attending school for months or even years at a time. This CME describes the prevalence and the disease, the treatment options, the impact of ME/CFS on the child’s education and quality of life, and the role of the school nurse. The course also includes interviews with two parents of children with ME/CFS.

Presented by: Peter Rowe, MD and Lisa Hall, RN.

National Association of School Nurses (NASN)

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: School Nurses Can Improve Outcomes

Description: School nurses, with knowledge of ME/CFS, are in a position to improve outcomes for students. Experts in the diagnosis and management of ME/CFS provide school nurses with the knowledge and tools to help recognize ME/CFS in the student population. Resources will be provided to share with families, students, administrators and staff members. Resources and education on ME/CFS will permit early intervention, referral and diagnosis, treatment and academic accommodations.

Presented by: Beth Mattey, MSN, RN, NCSN, FNASN, Kenneth Friedman, PhD, and Faith Newton, EdD

Research and Evidence-based Literature

Mayo Clinic Proceedings 

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Managment
Author: Lucinda Bateman, MD, US ME/CFS Clinician Coalition 

Editorial: Advances in ME/CFS Research and Clinical Care

Kenneth J. Friedman, Lucinda Bateman, Alison Bested and Zaher Nahle
Editorial
Published:  on 18 September 2019
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2019.00370

Initiating Care of a Patient With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Charles W. Lapp
Perspective: This paper introduces the primary care physician to the unique and challenging aspects of initially diagnosing and managing a complex condition for which there are a plethora of symptoms, few physical findings, no known cause…
Published: on 23 January 2019
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2018.00415

Onset Patterns and Course of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Lily Chu,  Ian J. Valencia, Donn W. Garvert and Jose G. Montoya
Original Research Background: Epidemiologic studies of myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have examined different aspects of this disease separately but few have explored them together. Objective: Describe ME/CFS onset and course in one United …
Published: on 05 February 2019
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2019.00012

Estimating Prevalence, Demographics, and Costs of ME/CFS Using Large Scale Medical Claims Data and Machine Learning

Ashley R. Valdez, Elizabeth E. Hancock, Seyi Adebayo, David J. Kiernicki, Daniel Proskauer, John R. Attewell, Lucinda Bateman, Alfred DeMaria, Charles W. Lapp, Peter C. Rowe and Charmian Proskauer
Original Research: Techniques of data mining and machine learning were applied to a large database of medical and facility claims from commercially insured patients to determine the prevalence, gender demographics, and costs for individuals with provider-assigned …
Published: on 08 January 2019
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2018.00412

Orthostatic Intolerance Syndromes

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Methodology for Assessing Exertion Intolerance in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Staci Stevens, Chris Snell, Jared Stevens, Betsy Keller and J. Mark VanNess
Methods Background: Concise methodological directions for administration of serial cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) are needed for testing of patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Maximal CPET is used to evaluate …
Published: on 04 September 2018
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2018.00242

Low Sensitivity of Abbreviated Tilt Table Testing for Diagnosing Postural Tachycardia Syndrome in Adults With ME/CFS

C. (Linda) M. C. van Campen, Peter C. Rowe and Frans C. Visser
Original Research Introduction: Orthostatic intolerance is common among individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In some ME/CFS case definitions, orthostatic intolerance is considered a core feature of the disorder. Some studies …
Published: on 16 November 2018
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2018.00349

Blood Volume Status in ME/CFS Correlates With the Presence or Absence of Orthostatic Symptoms: Preliminary Results

C. (Linda) M. C. van Campen, Peter C. Rowe and Frans C. Visser
Brief Research Report Introduction: Conflicting data have been published on the reduction of circulating blood volume in adults with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The aim of the present study was to compare blood volumes based on the …
Published: on 15 November 2018
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2018.00352

Pediatric, Adolescents, and Youth with ME/CFS
School Functioning in Adolescents With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Sarah Jenette Knight , Jennifer Politis, Christine Garnham, Adam Scheinberg and Michelle Anne Tollit
Original Research Background: It is well known that adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) experience greater school absenteeism compared to healthy adolescents. Less is known about other important aspects of school functioning including school participation, …
Published: on 16 October 2018
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2018.00302

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis and Management in Young People: A Primer

Peter C. Rowe, Rosemary A. Underhill, Kenneth J. Friedman, et. al
Published: on 19 June 2017
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2017.00121

Meeting the Educational Needs of Young, ME/CFS Patients: Role of the Treating Physician

Faith R. Newton
Published: on 02 April 2019
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2019.00104

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis of ME/CFS in Children and Adolescents: A Commentary

Keith James Geraghty and Charles Adeniji
Perspective: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic illness that causes a range of debilitating symptoms. While most research has focused on adults, the illness also presents in children and adolescents. Many physicians find it …
Published: on 21 January 2019
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2018.0043

Long Term Follow up of Young People With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Attending a Pediatric Outpatient Service

Katherine S. Rowe
Original Research Aim: To determine the reported duration of illness, the functional and educational long-term outcomes, predictive factors for recovery and seek feedback regarding management in pediatric/adolescent myalgic encepahalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome …
Published: on 21 February 2019
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2019.00021

Impaired Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescent Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Impact of Core Symptoms

Maria Roma, Colleen L. Marden , Marissa A. K. Flaherty, Samantha E. Jasion, Erica M. Cranston and Peter C. Rowe
Original Research Objective: The objectives of this study were to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of a North American population of adolescents and young adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) to (1) healthy controls …
Published: on 15 February 2019
Front. Pediatr. doi: 10.3389/fped.2019.00026