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. More than simply “feeling tired,” ME/CFS can significantly impact 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, 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.
Care 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.
What Is ME/CFS?
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.
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 may include:
- Severe fatigue not improved by rest
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM)
- Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction
- Orthostatic intolerance, POTS, or dizziness
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Muscle pain or joint pain
- Sensory sensitivity to light, sound, or touch
- Headaches and migraines
- Flu-like symptoms or sore throat
- Temperature dysregulation
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Mast cell activation and histamine intolerance
- Difficulty tolerating stress or overstimulation
ME/CFS can range from mild to profoundly disabling, and symptoms often fluctuate over time.
A Whole-Person Approach to 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.
Thoughtful, Individualized Treatment for ME/CFS
There is no universal treatment for ME/CFS. Recovery and stabilization often require a highly individualized approach that respects the body’s limited energy capacity and nervous system sensitivity.
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.
Understanding Pacing & Post-Exertional Malaise
For people with ME/CFS, overexertion can significantly worsen symptoms and lead to prolonged crashes. This worsening may occur after physical activity, mental effort, emotional stress, sensory overload, illness, or even social interaction.
Pacing is a foundational strategy in ME/CFS care. Rather than pushing through symptoms, pacing involves learning to work within the body’s available energy limits in order to reduce post-exertional malaise and improve stability over time.
Dr. Burke works with patients to better understand their individual energy envelope and create practical, sustainable strategies that support daily functioning without worsening symptoms.
You Deserve to Be Believed
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.