Myalgic Encephalomyelitis & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Evaluation & Treatment in Oregon

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Care for ME/CFS and Post-Viral Illness

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multi-system chronic illness that affects the body’s ability to produce and sustain energy. At Willow Natural Health, Dr. Cori Burke provides compassionate, trauma-informed naturopathic care for people living with ME/CFS, Long COVID, and related chronic complex illnesses in Portland, Milwaukie, and throughout Oregon.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is much more than simply “feeling tired.” Furthermore, ME/CFS significantly impacts neurological function, immune regulation, autonomic nervous system function, cognition, sleep, pain processing, and the ability to tolerate physical or mental activity. Many people with ME/CFS spend years searching for answers after being told their symptoms are caused by stress, anxiety, burnout, or depression.

At Willow Natural Health, chronic fatigue syndrome treatment is individualized, supportive, and grounded in current understanding of post-viral illness, neuroimmune dysfunction, autonomic dysfunction, and energy-limiting chronic disease. Dr. Burke works collaboratively with patients to better understand symptom patterns, identify contributing factors, and develop sustainable treatment strategies focused on improving quality of life and day-to-day functioning.

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What Is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)?

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic neuroimmune illness characterized by profound fatigue, post-exertional symptom worsening, cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”), unrefreshing sleep, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, pain, sensory sensitivity, and reduced functional capacity.

Additionally, one of the hallmark features of ME/CFS is post-exertional malaise (PEM) — a worsening of symptoms following physical, cognitive, emotional, or sensory exertion that would not have caused problems prior to illness. PEM can significantly impact recovery and quality of life.

Common symptoms of ME/CFS may include:

The severity of ME/CFS can range from mild to profoundly disabling, and symptoms often fluctuate over time.

A Whole-Person Approach to ME/CFS Evaluation

ME/CFS is a complex illness that frequently overlaps with other chronic conditions. Evaluation should go beyond basic screening labs and consider the broader physiological patterns contributing to symptoms and reduced resilience.

Dr. Burke takes a comprehensive, individualized approach that may include:

• Detailed medical history and symptom review
• Assessment of post-exertional malaise and functional capacity
• Evaluation of autonomic dysfunction and dysautonomia
• Assessment of sleep, immune function, and inflammatory patterns
• Functional and integrative laboratory testing when appropriate
• Nutritional and metabolic evaluation
• Assessment for chronic infections or environmental contributors
• Review of prior testing and specialist evaluations
• Evaluation for overlapping or commonly associated conditions such as:
  • POTS and dysautonomia
  • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
  • Hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
  • Long COVID and post-viral illness
  • Lyme disease and chronic infections
  • Mold-related illness / CIRS
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction

Many patients with ME/CFS are dealing with multiple overlapping conditions that can amplify symptom burden and complicate recovery.

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Thoughtful, Individualized Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Portland

There is no universal roadmap for ME/CFS treatment. Recovery and stabilization of chronic fatigue requires a highly individualized approach that respects the body’s limited energy capacity and nervous system sensitivity.

ME/CFS Treatment is designed to support function, reduce symptom burden, improve resilience, and help patients avoid the “push-crash” cycle that can worsen illness over time.

Care may include support for:

• Energy conservation and pacing
• Nervous system regulation
• Sleep quality and circadian rhythm support
• Mitochondrial and cellular energy production
• Immune system balance
• Mast cell stabilization and histamine support
• Nutritional deficiencies and metabolic health
• Gut health and microbiome support
• Autonomic nervous system function
• Hormonal and endocrine balance
• Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress

Depending on the individual case, treatment may incorporate:

• Herbal and botanical medicine
• Nutritional and supplement support
• Dietary interventions
• Lifestyle modification and pacing strategies
• Sensory regulation and nervous system support
• Prescription therapies when appropriate
• Supportive care for co-existing conditions

Care is collaborative and paced carefully to minimize symptom flares and support sustainable progress.

You Deserve to Be Heard

Living with ME/CFS can be isolating, especially when symptoms are invisible or misunderstood. You deserve care that takes your experience seriously.

At Willow Natural Health, we believe in listening carefully, honoring the complexity of your lived experience, and supporting you with compassion, curiosity, and respect.