Structure possible ME/CFS patterns

ME/CFS Symptom Check

A short self-check that structures symptoms against the Canadian Consensus Criteria. It helps with orientation when exertion, recovery, and PEM are hard to interpret.

Start ME/CFS symptom check Read what is ME/CFS

Assessment facts

Duration

5-10 minutes

Framework

Canadian Consensus Criteria 2003

Last reviewed

2026-03-01

Responsible

Frederik Marquart

This page and questionnaire provide orientation for symptom documentation. They do not replace medical diagnosis, emergency care, or clinician-led treatment decisions.

Open methodology and limits

Direct answers before you start

ME/CFS Symptom Check

What this questionnaire measures

The check organizes core symptom clusters such as post-exertional worsening, sleep, pain, and cognitive symptoms against the Canadian Consensus Criteria.

When this questionnaire is useful

It is most useful when symptoms have persisted for months, worsen after exertion, and need clearer language for self-documentation or a clinician discussion.

What the result does not do

It does not diagnose ME/CFS, does not replace exclusion diagnostics, and is not meant to assess urgent red-flag symptoms.

Useful when

when fatigue, PEM, sleep problems, pain, or cognitive symptoms occur together
when symptoms have persisted for months and need clearer documentation
when you want to see whether your pattern appears ME/CFS-oriented

Important limits

not a medical diagnosis and not a replacement for exclusion diagnostics
not for emergencies or sudden severe new symptoms
not a standalone lab or treatment decision

After the result

save or summarize the result for a clinician conversation
review PEM and pacing if symptoms worsen after exertion
seek medical evaluation for red flags, acute worsening, or uncertainty

Common questions

Can the ME/CFS symptom check diagnose ME/CFS?

No. It structures symptoms against known criteria. ME/CFS is a diagnosis of exclusion and requires medical assessment.

When is this check useful?

It is useful when fatigue, post-exertional worsening, sleep problems, pain, or cognitive symptoms appear together and you want to clarify the pattern.

Why does PEM matter so much?

PEM changes interpretation because symptoms can worsen disproportionately and with delay after physical, cognitive, or emotional exertion.

What is ME/CFS?Understand PEM Questionnaire methodology

ME/CFS Symptom Check

What this questionnaire measures

The check organizes core symptom clusters such as post-exertional worsening, sleep, pain, and cognitive symptoms against the Canadian Consensus Criteria.

When this questionnaire is useful

It is most useful when symptoms have persisted for months, worsen after exertion, and need clearer language for self-documentation or a clinician discussion.

What the result does not do

It does not diagnose ME/CFS, does not replace exclusion diagnostics, and is not meant to assess urgent red-flag symptoms.

Common questions

Can the ME/CFS symptom check diagnose ME/CFS?

No. It structures symptoms against known criteria. ME/CFS is a diagnosis of exclusion and requires medical assessment.

When is this check useful?

It is useful when fatigue, post-exertional worsening, sleep problems, pain, or cognitive symptoms appear together and you want to clarify the pattern.

Why does PEM matter so much?

PEM changes interpretation because symptoms can worsen disproportionately and with delay after physical, cognitive, or emotional exertion.