A leading international expert on Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also called chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) will be giving a free talk in Galway in May.
For ME Awareness Month in May Dr Amolak Bansa will be giving five free talks around the country organised by the Irish ME/CFS Association.
Before the Covid pandemic, between 10,000 and 20,000 people in Ireland were believed to suffer from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), now often diagnosed under the name Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
It is thought that the figures have now grown dramatically. Vera Kindlon, Chairperson of the Irish ME/CFS Association, explains why awareness-raising is important.
“While things have improved in the last decade, many people still experience a considerable delay in obtaining a firm diagnosis. Research has been published which shows that an early diagnosis can greatly improve the prognosis.”
“Without a diagnosis, relations with family and friends can be strained and arrangements with employers or schools become very difficult. Having a name for what is wrong with them allows patients to better manage their condition.”
“They can also then get in touch with other sufferers, learning how others have dealt with similar problems and gaining support and empathy from those who know exactly what it is like.”
“We are lucky to have a recognised world expert on the condition come to speak with us to share his knowledge. We hope patients across the country will benefit from the wealth of his experience.”
Symptoms of ME/CFS include overwhelming flu-like exhaustion made worse by exertion (physical or mental exertion), muscle and joint pains, sore throats, swollen glands, disturbed sleep, impaired concentration & memory, dizziness and headaches.
A particular feature of the disease is that the condition waxes and wanes over time and symptoms can fluctuate a great deal from day to day, or even within a day.
Orla Ni Chomhrai, host of the Galway meeting (and secretary of the Irish ME/CFS Association) says, “We are delighted to host Dr Bansal for this meeting in Galway.”
“He has decades of clinical experience treating ME/CFS patients, as well as conducting research into the condition. It will be great to have an opportunity to listen to him at this talk as well as having an opportunity to ask questions.”
Talks about this condition will be held on the following dates:
- Saturday, May 16: Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport. 2:30 PM
- Monday, May 18: The Carraig Centre, Ballincollig, Cork. 7 PM
- Thursday, May 21: Great National South Court Hotel, Raheen, Limerick. 12 noon
- Saturday, May 23: Maldron Hotel, Sandy Road, Galway. 6 PM
- Sunday, May 24: Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo. 5:30 PM
Admission is free, with no advanced booking required. Following each talk, there will be a questions-and-answers session. Event includes free tea/coffee & biscuits.
Further details are available from the Association: 01-2350965, info@irishmecfs.org, or the Association’s website www.irishmecfs.org
