ME/CFS
ME/CFS is a severe neuroimmunological disease that profoundly alters the lives of those affected.
Many patients suffer from cognitive impairment, a drastic loss of physical capacity, and a significant reduction in daily functioning.
- At the same time, medical care in Germany is critically inadequate: according to experts such as Prof. Dr. med. Scheibenbogen, more than 1.5 million people with ME/CFS and Long COVID are “not well cared for – or not cared for at all.”
- In my practice, I support people with ME/CFS in a scientifically based, individualized and respectful way – with a clear focus: greater stability, fewer crashes, and improved quality of life.
“ME/CFS is not exhaustion. It is one of the most severe illnesses one can imagine.
Caring for people with ME/CFS and advocating for better research and medical care is a matter close to my heart.”
Dr. Katja Aschenbrenner, M.D.
Key
Symptoms
According to the current D-A-CH consensus definition, ME/CFS is a severe chronic illness, often triggered by infections, fluoroquinolones, or craniocervical instability (CCI). Key features are based on the Canadian Consensus Criteria and core symptoms described in research:
Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM): severe symptom worsening after minimal exertion
Pathological fatigue: extreme and non-restorative
Sleep disturbances: non-refreshing sleep, dysregulation
Pain: muscles, joints, headaches
“Brain fog”: slowed thinking, word-finding difficulties
Autonomic dysfunction: dizziness, palpitations, circulatory problems
Immunological symptoms: flu-like symptoms, increased susceptibility to infections
Current research shows significant impairment of energy production, immune function, vascular systems, and autonomic regulation. ME/CFS is a biological disease – not a psychological one.
I am Dr.
Katja Aschenbrenner, M.D.
I am a physician
specializing in complex chronic diseases and post-infectious syndromes.
Many of my patients come to me after a long search – exhausted, uncertain, and often not taken seriously. My goal is to provide a safe medical space: professionally competent, compassionate, and entirely free of downplaying this disease.
There Is No Quick Fix –
But There Is a Path
There is no fast cure for ME/CFS. But there is a structured, stabilizing approach that creates perspective.
I work with:
- precise, guideline-based diagnostics
- PEM-sensitive management (pacing, energy management)
- treatment of comorbidities (POTS, MCAS, sleep disorders)
- support of the autonomic nervous system
- evidence-based supplements and interventions
- practical, everyday strategies to reduce crashes
Therapy Goals
- fewer PEM episodes
- increased stability
- protection of the energy system
- reduction of pain and dysregulation
- realistic, individualized routines
- improved quality of life
- prevention of long-term deterioration
“I take my patients seriously. I do not dismiss their symptoms as ‘psychological.’
You are not alone.”
Dr. Katja Aschenbrenner, M.D.
I Understand You
A Personal
Story
Over the years, I have met countless people with ME/CFS – many severely ill, many left without support. What moves me most is the gap between the severity of this disease and the lack of adequate medical care. People with one of the most complex neuroimmunological illnesses are often forced to fight on their own – despite massive limitations and despite more than 1.5 million affected individuals in Germany. This injustice motivated me to specialize in ME/CFS. Every small improvement matters – and every patient who is taken seriously makes a difference.
What Treatment Looks Like
Step by Step
Medical history & symptom profile
Comprehensive assessment of symptoms, PEM patterns, triggers, and resources.
PEM-sensitive daily management
Individual strategies to prevent overload and crashes.
Guideline-based diagnostics
Autonomic dysregulation, immune markers, sleep, cardiovascular strain, POTS, MCAS.
Individual treatment plan
Biochemical support, symptom relief, comorbidity management, realistic daily solutions.
Ongoing care
Continuous adaptation to energy levels, support during setbacks, stabilization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is ME/CFS psychological? No. International research consistently demonstrates biological mechanisms involving immune, vascular, metabolic and autonomic systems. Why treat ME/CFS if there is no cure? Because appropriate care reduces crashes, increases stability, and improves quality of life. Can it get better? Yes – at different speeds and to different degrees. The key is protecting what remains, managing energy carefully, and preventing deterioration.
Who is treatment with us
suitable for?
Our services are intended for people who:
- have a diagnosis of ME/CFS or a strong suspicion of it
- have ME/CFS in the context of Long COVID
- are looking for PEM-sensitive, respectful medical care
- need a structured and realistic treatment approach
- want to finally be taken seriously
- want to understand what is happening in their body
- find themselves in a healthcare system that, according to experts, provides “little to no adequate care”
The treatment is less suitable for people who:
- expect rapid activation programs
- expect overly demanding rehabilitation concepts
ME/CFS requires realistic, gentle (pacing-based) and scientifically grounded approaches.
What if I am unable to come to the practice due to ME/CFS?
If attending the practice in person is not possible, we offer consultations via video appointment or telephone.
This allows medical care to remain accessible even in cases of severe limitation.
What is ME/CFS?
ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is a severe neuroimmunological disease, often triggered by infections, fluoroquinolones, or craniocervical instability (CCI).
Typical features include:
- exertion intolerance
- post-exertional malaise (PEM)
- pathological exhaustion
- pain
- sleep disturbances
- cognitive impairment
- circulatory dysfunction
The disease affects energy production, the immune system, blood vessels and the nervous system.
What triggers ME/CFS?
ME/CFS often begins after:
- infections (e.g. viral illnesses, COVID-19, other acute infections)
- use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics
- craniocervical instability (CCI)
Research points to immune dysregulation, vascular dysfunction, metabolic changes and autonomic dysregulation.
In many patients, the exact trigger remains unclear – but the pattern of illness is characteristic.
What is Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)?
PEM is the core symptom of ME/CFS. It refers to a worsening of symptoms after minimal physical, cognitive or emotional exertion – often delayed by 12–48 hours.
PEM is not comparable to normal fatigue and may last days, weeks or longer.
How many people in Germany are affected?
According to the ME/CFS Research Foundation (2025):
- approx. 871,000 people with Long COVID
- approx. 650,000 people with ME/CFS
- more than 1.5 million affected individuals in total
The numbers are rising, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why is medical care so inadequate?
According to Prof. Dr. med. Scheibenbogen, people with ME/CFS are currently “not well cared for – or not cared for at all.”
Reasons include:
- insufficient research
- lack of specialized physicians
- minimal ME/CFS
- education in medical training
- decades of misinterpretation of the disease
- no curative therapies
- complex symptom patterns
- high number of affected individuals with inadequate structures
As a result, many patients are left to navigate a fragmented system on their own.
Is there a cure for ME/CFS?
Unfortunately, no – there is currently no established curative therapy worldwide.
However, appropriate, PEM-sensitive care can:
- reduce crashes
- increase stability
- improve symptoms
- alleviate comorbid conditions
- enhance quality of life
- prevent deterioration
The goal of treatment is stabilization rather than worsening.
What treatment options are available?
In clinical practice, meaningful approaches include:
- PEM-sensitive activity management (pacing)
- treatment of comorbidities (e.g. POTS, MCAS, sleep disorders)
- stabilization of the autonomic nervous system
- evidence-based supplements
- pain and sleep management
- everyday support and energy planning
An individualized, realistic and gentle approach is essential.
Is ME/CFS a psychological illness?
No.
Current research clearly shows biological mechanisms (immune dysfunction, metabolic changes, neural dysregulation) as the underlying cause.
Psychological strain is a consequence of the disease, not its cause.
Is ME/CFS related to Long COVID?
Yes.
ME/CFS can develop after a COVID-19 infection.
Research shows that a significant proportion of people with Long COVID eventually meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS.
The pandemic has therefore led to a marked increase in ME/CFS cases.
Does ME/CFS get worse over time?
This varies individually.
However, without pacing and structured care, worsening is common.
With careful energy management and appropriate support, many patients achieve greater stability and fewer setbacks.
Can children and adolescents also be affected?
Unfortunately, yes.
ME/CFS can occur at any age.
In children, it often becomes noticeable through sudden loss of performance and unexplained exhaustion.
Why is ME/CFS often not recognized?
- symptoms appear non-specific
- laboratory findings are often unremarkable
- many physicians are unfamiliar with the condition
- PEM is not specifically assessed
- patients are often too impaired to attend examinations
The most important diagnostic tool is a comprehensive medical history.
What can I do myself to stabilize my condition?
- consistent pacing
- scheduled rest periods
- sensory reduction
- crash management
- protection during infections / infection prevention
- realistic daily planning
- treatment of comorbidities
- supplements and medications as indicated
Avoiding overexertion is a medical necessity – not avoidance or withdrawal.