Neurology of ME/CFS

Brain

Volume

 * 2016, One six year longitudinal study found that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) (per Fukuda criteria & Canadian Consensus Criteria) is associated with decreases in white matter, gray matter and blood volume deficits in the brain as compared to healthy controls.

Neural strain
 * 2017, A study, using segmented anatomical MRI brain scans showed that, adjusting for total intracranial volume, CFS patients (as per Fukuda diagnostic criteria) had larger gray matter volume and lower white matter volume. The increased gray matter volume was predominantly found in the amygdala and insula cortex. The decreased white matter was predominantly found in the midbrain and temporal lobe.

In a study of neuromuscular strain in ME/CFS, 60 people with ME/CFS and 20 healthy controls randomly were assigned to undergo a neuromuscular strain maneuver or sham maneuver. Those with ME/CFS in the strain condition group had significantly increased symptoms for up to 24 hours.

Talks & interviews

 * 2016, 77. ME & the brain, part 1 / ME & de hersenen, deel 1 - Dr. Neil Harrison
 * 2016, 78. ME & the brain, part 2 / ME & de hersenen, deel 2 - Dr. Neil Harrison


 * 2016, 79. ME & inflammation, part 1 / ME & inflammatie, deel 1 - Dr Harrison
 * 2018, ME/CFS Involves Brain Inflammation: Results from a Ramsay Pilot Study, sponsored by Solve ME/CFS Initiative

Researchers

 * Neil Harrison
 * Jose Montoya
 * Jarred Younger

Learn more

 * 2014, Brains of People With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Offer Clues About Disorder


 * 2016, Laggard: Is an Under-Active Brain the Problem in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
 * 2017, Reference List of Neurology studies ME CFS 2017.pdf
 * 2018, Brain on Fire: Widespread Neuroinflammation Found in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
 * 2019, Brain Imaging and Behavior publication from Dr. Jarred Younger’s SMCI Ramsay pilot study supports involvement of neuroinflammation in ME/CFS