Neurology of ME/CFS

Brain imaging




Neural strain
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.

Causes of neurological symptoms


Causes of neurological symptoms in ME/CFS include:
 * hyperventilation/hypnocapnia (reduced carbon dioxide levels in the blood)
 * intracranial hypertension (increased pressure within the skull and around brain)
 * reduced blood flow to the brain
 * brain inflammation may also be a factor

These can explain cognitive impairment, brain fog, headache, psychomotor slowing, ataxia and loss of coordination of movements, hypersensitivity, sleep disturbances and dysautonomia.

Notable studies

 * 2021, An attempt to explain the neurological symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - (Full text)

Talks and 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