Chronic-fatigue-syndrome Quote by Malcolm Hooper
““The term “myalgic encephalomyelitis” (muscle pain, “myalgic”, with “encephalomyelitis” inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) was first included by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their International Classification of Diseases in 1969. It is ironic that Donald Acheson, who subsequently became the Chief Medical Officer first coined the name in 1956.8 In 1978 the Royal Society of Medicine accepted ME as a nosological organic entity.9 The current version of the International Classification of Diseases—ICD‐10, lists myalgic encephalomyelitis under G.93.3—neurological conditions. It cannot be emphasised too strongly that this recognition emerged from meticulous clinical observation and examination.””
About This Quote
The official naming of myalgic encephalomyelitis resulted from careful clinical work, despite earlier ironic origins.
In simple terms: Medical classification came from detailed observation, not just naming quirks.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the importance of rigorous observation in disease definition.
Themes
medicine
history
diagnosis
clinical observation
nomenclature
Mood
empathetic
analytical
Type
informative
ethical
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- medical education
- research funding
- patient advocacy
Key Concepts
epidemiology
scientific rigor
health policy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does the naming history matter to patients?
- How can clinicians improve communication about the condition?
A Different Perspective
The name’s irony may cause public misunderstanding and stigma.
![“ME, a neurological disease[20,21], has been described in the medical literature since 1934 under various names[22], e.g., epidemic neuromyasthenia and atypical poliomyelitis, often on account of outbreaks[23-25]. Characteristic symptoms of ME, classified as a disease of the nervous system by the…” quote by Frank Twisk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/593/frank-twisk-66444_books_me-a-neurological-disease-20-21-has-been_358570.jpg)
![“To replace ME/CFS, the [Institute of Medicine] committee proposes the name systemic exertion intolerance disease, or SEID. This name captures a central characteristic of the disease: the fact that exertion of any sort— physical, cognitive, or emotional—can adversely affect patients in many organ…” quote by Ellen Wright Clayton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7b1/ellen-wright-clayton-235558_cfs_to-replace-me-cfs-the-institute-of-medic_405286.jpg)
![“ME/CFS has a greater negative impact on functional status and well-being than other chronic diseases, e.g., cancer or lung diseases[8], and is associated with a drastic decrement in physical functioning[9]. In a comparison study[10] ME/CFS patients scored significantly lower than patients with…” quote by Frank Twisk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d4e/frank-twisk-66444_cfs_me-cfs-has-a-greater-negative-impact-on_448653.jpg)