Breakdown of homeostasis hypothesis

The breakdown of homeostasis hypothesis proposes that (by David F. Marks) ME/CFS is caused by a breakdown in homeostasis. Marks published this hypothesis in 2021, although a failure to maintain homeostasis has also been referred to as a part of the cause of ME/CFS by a number of other researchers.

Notable studies

• 2021, Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome as a breakdown of homeostasis (Full text)

See also

• David Marks

homeostasis the maintenance of stable internal biological conditions (e.g. body temperature) in a changable environmen

myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) - A disease often marked by neurological symptoms, but fatigue is sometimes a symptom as well. Some diagnostic criteria distinguish it from chronic fatigue syndrome, while other diagnostic criteria consider it to be a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome. A defining characteristic of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), which is a notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small exertions. PEM can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain (myalgia), trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, among others. An estimated 25% of those suffering from ME are housebound or bedbound. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ME as a neurological disease.