TABLE 4. Newcastle Research Group ME/CFS Score Chart

11

 

2

FATIGUE

   

(a)

Are you less than 33% efficient per full day including hobbies after work etc.

2

 

(b)

Do you need a period of bed or settee rest:

   
 

- during each day?

3

 

OR

- on 2 or 3 days per week

2

 

3

Have you excessive fatigue after work effort?

2

 

4

Do you have nocturnal sweats or cold feelings?

2

 

5

EVIDENCE OF DISTURBED MENTAL ACTIVITY

   

(a)

Do you have difficulty finding Fe correct words?

1

 

(b)

Can you write a long letter without your handwriting ability deteriorating?

1

 

(c)

Do you tire if you have to talk for long?

1

 

6

FAINT ATTACKS (VASOMOTOR CNS INSTABILITY)

   

(a)

Do you tend to have faint attacks:

   
 

- and lose consciousness?

3

 

OR

- without loss of consciousness but have to sit or lie down?

2

 

7

Do you feel fatigued upon waking?

   

8

Can you stand a lot of "chatter?" (Hyperacusis)

1

 

9

Do you have cold or numb feelings in your extremities or face?

2

 

10

Is your gait consistent with your age or is it that of a person much older or unsteady?

1

 
 

TOTAL

21

 

 

This chart was devised by Dr. Richardson based on the written histories provided by approximately 400 patients who had been referred with a suspected diagnosis of ME/CFS. The sawing symptoms which occurred in over 80% of these histories were analyzed and formed the basis of the chart's questions. The written history is still requested without prompting and the chart subsequently used to quantify the results. A score of 13/21 is deemed to indicate a positive diagnosis.