ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2423 studies

1001–1020 of 2,423 studies

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

New acoustic wave therapy improves quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency.

d'Alessandro, Aldo, Niglio, Tarcisio, Desogus, Antonello et al.·Annali italiani di chirurgia·2015

This study describes one patient with multiple sclerosis who also had chronic problems with blood flow in the brain and spine (CCSVI). The patient was treated with a non-invasive device called Dreno-MAM® that uses acoustic waves to improve circulation. After two years of follow-up, the patient reported improvements in muscle strength, fatigue, and overall quality of life, and the authors suggest this approach might help people with ME/CFS and other neurological conditions.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Are stamina and fatigue polar opposites? A case study.

So, Suzanna, Evans, Meredyth, Jason, Leonard A et al.·Journal of prevention & intervention in the community·2015

This study looked at whether fatigue and stamina are opposite sides of the same coin in ME/CFS. The researchers found that some people with ME/CFS have low fatigue but still cannot do much physically, while others have high fatigue that stops them from being active. This suggests that fatigue and stamina may be separate issues, and current diagnostic criteria that focus mainly on fatigue might miss people who have low energy and endurance but don't report severe fatigue.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

TMD and chronic pain: a current view.

Furquim, Bruno D'Aurea, Flamengui, Lívia Maria Sales Pinto, Conti, Paulo César Rodrigues·Dental press journal of orthodontics·2015

This review examines how temporomandibular disorders (jaw joint and muscle problems) develop and persist. The authors found that chronic muscle pain in the jaw works similarly to other widespread pain conditions like fibromyalgia and ME/CFS—through a process called central sensitization where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain signals. They explain that genetics and nervous system function influence whether symptoms improve or worsen.

Autonomic Nervous System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Mitoprotective dietary approaches for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Caloric restriction, fasting, and ketogenic diets.

Craig, Courtney·Medical hypotheses·2015

This study explores whether certain dietary approaches—like eating fewer calories, fasting, or following a ketogenic (low-carb, high-fat) diet—might help ME/CFS symptoms by protecting the mitochondria, which are the energy-producing parts of our cells. The authors review evidence suggesting that ME/CFS involves problems with mitochondrial function and immune activation that exhausts these cellular power plants. They propose that these three dietary strategies may help restore mitochondrial health and reduce symptoms, though they note that more research is needed to test this in actual ME/CFS patients.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Borderline Intracranial Hypertension Manifesting as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treated by Venous Sinus Stenting.

Higgins, Nicholas, Pickard, John, Lever, Andrew·Journal of neurological surgery reports·2015

This case study describes one woman with severe chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) who was found to have slightly elevated pressure inside her skull. Doctors discovered that blood vessels in her brain were narrowed, similar to a condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension. When doctors placed stents (small tubes) to open these narrowed vessels, her fatigue symptoms dramatically improved and stayed better for at least 2 years.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Neurovisceral phenotypes in the expression of psychiatric symptoms.

Eccles, Jessica A, Owens, Andrew P, Mathias, Christopher J et al.·Frontiers in neuroscience·2015

This review examines how physical differences in the body's automatic nervous system—the system that controls heart rate, blood pressure, and stress responses—may explain why some people experience anxiety more easily. The authors focus on three conditions: joint hypermobility (loose joints due to collagen differences), postural tachycardia syndrome (rapid heart rate when standing), and fainting with emotional stress. They propose that differences in how the brain controls these bodily functions may make people more vulnerable to anxiety and related conditions.

Autonomic Nervous System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Review of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: an evidence-based approach to diagnosis and management by clinicians.

Bested, Alison C, Marshall, Lynn M·Reviews on environmental health·2015

This review helps doctors understand ME/CFS better by explaining what it is, how to diagnose it, and how to treat it. ME/CFS is a serious illness that causes extreme tiredness, brain fog, pain, and sleep problems that get worse after physical activity. The review emphasizes that pacing activities—carefully balancing rest with gentle exercise—is one of the most important strategies patients can use to manage their symptoms and avoid crashes.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF SOMATOFORM DISORDERS IN CHILDREN (REVIEW).

Khundadze, M, Mkheidze, R, Geladze, N et al.·Georgian medical news·2015

This review article examines somatoform disorders—conditions where physical symptoms occur without a clear physical cause—in children and teenagers. It covers several conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome, and discusses why these disorders happen, how they present differently, and how doctors can diagnose and treat them. The authors note that these conditions have become more common over the past 20 years.

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

An overview of operationalizing criteria for ME, ME/CFS, and CFS case definitions.

Jason, Leonard A, So, Suzanna, Evans, Meredyth et al.·Journal of prevention & intervention in the community·2015

This study looks at how researchers define and identify ME/CFS using different sets of criteria. The researchers examined various diagnostic guidelines to understand how they work in practice and what makes a good case definition. This work helps ensure that when doctors diagnose ME/CFS, they're using clear, consistent standards.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The Nature of Fatigue in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Olson, Karin, Zimka, Oksana, Stein, Eleanor·Qualitative health research·2015

This study asked 14 people with ME/CFS to describe their experience of fatigue in their own words. Participants identified three different types of tiredness: regular tiredness (before diagnosis), fatigue (during daily activities), and exhaustion (after overexertion). The most helpful strategies people used were pacing activities and taking extended rest periods to manage their symptoms and prevent crashes.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Induction Murine Models of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Brucella abortus Antigen Injections: Is Anemia Induced or Not?

Moriya, Junji, He, Qiang, Uenishi, Hiroaki et al.·BioMed research international·2015

Researchers injected mice with bacterial antigens from Brucella abortus to create an animal model of ME/CFS. They found that at high doses, the injections caused temporary anemia (low red blood cells), but at moderate doses, anemia did not develop. Importantly, in both groups, the mice showed persistent low activity levels for weeks after treatment stopped, suggesting the injections could trigger lasting fatigue-like symptoms without necessarily causing anemia.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

In silico analysis of exercise intolerance in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lengert, Nicor, Drossel, Barbara·Biophysical chemistry·2015

This study used computer models to understand why people with ME/CFS struggle with exercise. The researchers simulated what happens in muscle cells during and after physical activity, focusing on mitochondria—the parts of cells that produce energy. Their model showed that when mitochondrial function is reduced, muscles can't make enough energy (ATP), which causes them to accumulate toxic substances like lactate and acid, and can lead to cell death. Importantly, repeated exercise made this problem much worse in their simulations.

Energy MetabolismPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Abnormalities of AMPK activation and glucose uptake in cultured skeletal muscle cells from individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Brown, Audrey E, Jones, David E, Walker, Mark et al.·PloS one·2015

Researchers grew muscle cells from ME/CFS patients and healthy people in the lab and stimulated them electrically to mimic exercise. They found that muscle cells from ME/CFS patients didn't respond normally to this simulated exercise: they failed to activate a key energy-sensing protein (AMPK) and didn't increase glucose uptake like healthy cells did. This suggests the problem may be rooted in how the muscle cells themselves are built or programmed, not just from being inactive.

Energy MetabolismPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Beyond Orthostatic Intolerance.

Garland, Emily M, Celedonio, Jorge E, Raj, Satish R·Current neurology and neuroscience reports·2015

This review explains postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition where your heart rate increases excessively when you stand up, often causing dizziness, fatigue, and other symptoms that improve when lying down. POTS can result from several different underlying problems—such as low blood volume, overactive stress nerves, or problems with small nerves in the legs—and may overlap with other conditions like ME/CFS. Treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, structured exercise, and sometimes medications.

Autonomic Nervous System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Yang/Qi invigoration: an herbal therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome with yang deficiency?

Leong, Pou Kuan, Wong, Hoi Shan, Chen, Jihang et al.·Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM·2015

This study explores whether certain Chinese herbal medicines might help ME/CFS by improving how cells produce energy. The researchers suggest that traditional concepts of 'Yang' and 'Qi' deficiency in Chinese medicine may relate to mitochondrial problems (the energy-producing parts of cells) seen in ME/CFS. They propose that specific herbs like Cistanches and Schisandrae might boost mitochondrial function and help patients with fatigue.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue: the underlying biology and related theoretical issues.

Romano, Graziella F, Tomassi, Simona, Russell, Alice et al.·Advances in psychosomatic medicine·2015

This review examines what scientists have learned about the biological causes of ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Researchers have found that three main systems in the body appear to go wrong: inflammation (the body's immune response), oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules), and problems with hormones that control stress responses. These abnormalities may explain why patients experience fatigue, pain, memory problems, and mood changes.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Characterisation of cell functions and receptors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Hardcastle, Sharni Lee, Brenu, Ekua Weba, Johnston, Samantha et al.·BMC immunology·2015

This study examined immune system cells from people with moderate and severe ME/CFS compared to healthy controls. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS had abnormal patterns in their immune cells, including changes in markers on T cells, NK cells, and other infection-fighting cells. These differences were more pronounced in people with more severe illness, suggesting that immune dysfunction may be connected to ME/CFS severity.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM requiredEditorial

Reflections on the Institute of Medicine's systemic exertion intolerance disease.

Jason, Leonard A, Sunnquist, Madison, Brown, Abigail et al.·Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej·2015

The Institute of Medicine proposed renaming chronic fatigue syndrome to 'systemic exertion intolerance disease' (SEID) and created new diagnostic criteria. This editorial critiques that change, noting that most patients rejected the new name and the new criteria were not tested on actual patient populations before being recommended. The new criteria may incorrectly identify more people as having the disease while missing key features that define it.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredObservational

A prospective, proof-of-concept investigation of KPAX002 in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Kaiser, Jon D·International journal of clinical and experimental medicine·2015

This small study tested a combination treatment called KPAX002, which pairs a stimulant medication (methylphenidate) with nutrients thought to support energy production in cells. Fifteen people with ME/CFS took this combination for 12 weeks, and researchers measured changes in fatigue and concentration problems using standard questionnaires. Most participants (87%) showed meaningful improvement in fatigue, and the treatment was generally safe and well tolerated.

Cognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Gray matter volumes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Tang, Le-Wei, Zheng, Hui, Chen, Liang et al.·Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM·2015

This review examines brain imaging studies that found smaller brain regions in people with ME/CFS. The researchers looked at how other conditions—like chronic pain, stress, sleep problems, and depression—might affect these brain changes and make it harder to understand what's really happening in ME/CFS. By separating out these overlapping factors, scientists hope to better understand the true brain mechanisms behind ME/CFS.

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Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

New acoustic wave therapy improves quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency.

Are stamina and fatigue polar opposites? A case study.

TMD and chronic pain: a current view.

Mitoprotective dietary approaches for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Caloric restriction, fasting, and ketogenic diets.

Borderline Intracranial Hypertension Manifesting as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treated by Venous Sinus Stenting.

Neurovisceral phenotypes in the expression of psychiatric symptoms.

Review of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: an evidence-based approach to diagnosis and management by clinicians.

THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF SOMATOFORM DISORDERS IN CHILDREN (REVIEW).

An overview of operationalizing criteria for ME, ME/CFS, and CFS case definitions.

The Nature of Fatigue in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Induction Murine Models of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Brucella abortus Antigen Injections: Is Anemia Induced or Not?

In silico analysis of exercise intolerance in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abnormalities of AMPK activation and glucose uptake in cultured skeletal muscle cells from individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: Beyond Orthostatic Intolerance.

Yang/Qi invigoration: an herbal therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome with yang deficiency?

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue: the underlying biology and related theoretical issues.

Characterisation of cell functions and receptors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Reflections on the Institute of Medicine's systemic exertion intolerance disease.

A prospective, proof-of-concept investigation of KPAX002 in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Gray matter volumes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

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