ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

201–220 of 6,121 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Could the kynurenine pathway be the key missing piece of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) complex puzzle?

Kavyani, Bahar, Lidbury, Brett A, Schloeffel, Richard et al.·Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS·2022

This review explores whether problems with how your body processes an amino acid called tryptophan might explain ME/CFS symptoms. The kynurenine pathway is a biochemical process that helps your cells make energy and affects immune function and brain inflammation. The authors suggest that abnormalities in this pathway could be a missing piece in understanding why ME/CFS develops.

BiomarkersNeuroinflammation

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearEvidence-Map

Fatigue, post-exertional malaise and orthostatic intolerance: a map of Cochrane evidence relevant to rehabilitation for people with post COVID-19 condition.

Arienti, Chiara, Cordani, Claudio, Lazzarini, Stefano G et al.·European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine·2022

This study looked at what treatments have helped people with fatigue and exercise problems in other conditions to understand what might help people with long COVID. Researchers found that exercise programs, telehealth rehabilitation, and educational interventions showed promise for fatigue, while combined aerobic and anaerobic training helped with exercise intolerance. However, they found very little research specifically on post-exertional malaise (feeling much worse after activity) or orthostatic intolerance (dizziness when standing), which are key symptoms in post-COVID and ME/CFS.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Analysis of post COVID-19 condition and its overlap with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sukocheva, Olga A, Maksoud, Rebekah, Beeraka, Narasimha M et al.·Journal of advanced research·2022

This study compared long-term effects of COVID-19 infection (long-COVID) with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) to see how similar they are. Researchers found that many people who develop long-COVID experience the same symptoms as ME/CFS patients, including severe fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and worsening of symptoms after physical activity. The study suggests that COVID-19 may trigger a ME/CFS-like condition in some people through inflammatory processes in the body.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredMeta-Analysis

Pain-Related Post-Exertional Malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Three-Level Meta-Analysis.

Barhorst, Ellen E, Boruch, Alexander E, Cook, Dane B et al.·Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.)·2022

This review examined whether people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia experience increased pain after exercise. Researchers combined data from 15 studies and found that yes, patients do have more pain after physical activity than healthy people do—especially when pain was measured 8-72 hours later. This confirms that pain is a real and significant part of post-exertional malaise (the worsening of symptoms after activity).

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Stabilometric Biofeedback Training in Cognitive and Affective Function Improvement. Contribution of the Russian Scientific School. Part II.

Bazanova, O M, Kovaleva, A V·Human physiology·2022

This review examines how balance training using computer feedback can help improve thinking, mood, and symptom management in people with chronic fatigue syndrome and other neurological conditions. The researchers looked at studies from Russia and other countries that used a technique called stabilometric biofeedback, which shows patients real-time information about their body's balance and posture to help them improve control and function.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Genetics of COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review.

Tziastoudi, Maria, Cholevas, Christos, Stefanidis, Ioannis et al.·Annals of clinical and translational neurology·2022

This study looked at genetic research on both COVID-19 and ME/CFS to see if they share common genetic factors that might explain why both conditions cause extreme fatigue. Researchers reviewed 71 studies on COVID-19 genetics and 26 studies on ME/CFS genetics, then identified six genes that appear in both conditions. The findings suggest that immune system dysfunction—specifically problems with inflammation and how immune cells communicate—may play a role in both illnesses.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearEditorial

Post COVID fatigue: Can we really ignore it?

Sharma, Priya, Bharti, Sumit, Garg, Isha·The Indian journal of tuberculosis·2022

This review examines fatigue that develops after COVID-19 infection and lasts for at least 12 weeks. The authors explain that post-COVID fatigue is complex—it affects different people differently depending on age, other health conditions, and how severe their initial infection was. Some people recover while fatigue persists, making it hard for doctors to predict when patients will feel better.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredEditorial

Long-Term COVID 19 Sequelae in Adolescents: the Overlap with Orthostatic Intolerance and ME/CFS.

Morrow, Amanda K, Malone, Laura A, Kokorelis, Christina et al.·Current pediatrics reports·2022

Some teenagers who had COVID-19 develop long-lasting symptoms months after their initial infection, even if they weren't severely ill at first. These long COVID symptoms—like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty standing—look very similar to ME/CFS. This review examines how common long COVID is in teens and explains why current treatments don't work well for everyone because long COVID may actually be several different conditions.

ME/CFS (general)

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Ginseng for the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.

Yang, Juan, Shin, Kyung-Min, Abu Dabrh, Abd Moain et al.·Global advances in health and medicine·2022

Researchers looked at whether ginseng, a plant supplement used for fatigue in other conditions, might help people with ME/CFS. They found only 2 small studies with a total of 68 patients. While the results suggest ginseng might be helpful, there isn't enough evidence yet to say for certain whether it works or is safe for ME/CFS patients.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Long COVID or Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC): An Overview of Biological Factors That May Contribute to Persistent Symptoms.

Proal, Amy D, VanElzakker, Michael B·Frontiers in microbiology·2021

Some people who recover from COVID-19 infection continue to experience symptoms for months afterward, a condition called Long COVID or PASC. This review examines multiple biological explanations for why this happens, including organ damage, lingering virus in the body, reactivation of dormant viruses, immune system dysfunction, blood clotting problems, and the body's own immune cells attacking healthy tissues. The authors suggest that different patients likely have different underlying causes, which means different treatments may work best for different people.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Brainstem Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Scoping Review and Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings.

Nelson, Todd, Zhang, Lan-Xin, Guo, Hui et al.·Frontiers in neurology·2021

This review examined brain imaging studies to understand how ME/CFS affects the brainstem, which is the part of the brain that controls vital functions like heart rate, breathing, and sleep. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS often show changes in the brain's structure and how different brain regions communicate with each other. These findings suggest that problems in the brainstem might explain many ME/CFS symptoms, though more research is needed to fully understand the connections.

Neuroinflammation

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

New Insights on the Role of TRP Channels in Calcium Signalling and Immunomodulation: Review of Pathways and Implications for Clinical Practice.

Froghi, Saied, Grant, Charlotte R, Tandon, Radhika et al.·Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology·2021

This review examines how calcium moves into cells through special channels called TRP channels, and how this process affects the immune system. The authors explain that TRP channels play important roles in helping immune cells fight infections and respond to threats. They discuss evidence that problems with these calcium channels may be involved in several diseases, including ME/CFS.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Cognitive symptoms after COVID-19.

Altuna, M, Sánchez-Saudinós, Mª B, Lleó, A·Neurology perspectives·2021

COVID-19 can cause cognitive problems—such as difficulty thinking, concentrating, or remembering—that sometimes last for months after infection. These cognitive symptoms can happen even in people with mild COVID cases, which is unusual compared to other viral illnesses. This review found that cognitive problems after COVID share similarities with symptoms seen in ME/CFS and can significantly affect daily life and quality of life.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

A Comprehensive Update of the Current Understanding of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Noor, Nazir, Urits, Ivan, Degueure, Arielle et al.·Anesthesiology and pain medicine·2021

This is a literature review that synthesizes current understanding of ME/CFS, covering its symptoms, potential triggers, and management approaches. The review reports that ME/CFS has been associated with dysfunction in immune, neuroendocrine, and autonomic systems, and notes that some patients show earlier activation of anaerobic metabolism. However, as a review of existing studies rather than new research, this summary reflects what has been observed across multiple reports and does not establish new evidence about what causes or treats the condition.

Immune SystemSleep

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A systematic review of nutraceutical interventions for mitochondrial dysfunctions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Maksoud, Rebekah, Balinas, Cassandra, Holden, Sean et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2021

This review looked at whether special supplements that target the energy-producing parts of cells (mitochondria) might help ME/CFS patients feel less fatigued. The researchers searched for published studies testing these supplements in ME/CFS patients and found 9 studies. About two-thirds of these studies showed some improvement in fatigue, but the overall evidence isn't strong enough yet to say these supplements definitely work.

Energy Metabolism

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredEvidence-Map

A rapid review and expert identification of the Allied Health Professions' interventions as a contribution to public health outcomes.

Fowler Davis, S, Farndon, L, Harrop, D et al.·Public health in practice (Oxford, England)·2021

This study looked at how allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists) help improve public health in the UK. Researchers reviewed research papers from 2014 onwards and found that these professionals were particularly effective at helping people with chronic fatigue syndrome and osteoarthritis, as well as managing other musculoskeletal conditions and helping people return to work after illness or injury.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearEditorial

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Human Herpesviruses Are Back!

Ariza, Maria Eugenia·Biomolecules·2021

This review examines whether certain viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), may play a role in ME/CFS. Earlier research on this topic produced mixed results, leading some scientists to think viruses weren't involved. However, newer research methods have found that specific proteins made by EBV could contribute to immune system and nervous system problems in some ME/CFS patients.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM unclearGuideline

Approach to Fatigue: Best Practice.

Dukes, Jason C, Chakan, Matthew, Mills, Aaron et al.·The Medical clinics of North America·2021

Fatigue can come from many different causes, so doctors need to carefully listen to patients' histories and perform physical exams rather than just ordering lots of tests. Fatigue may be caused by an underlying medical condition that can be treated, or it may be a primary condition on its own (now called system exertion intolerance disease). Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for primary fatigue, so treatment focuses on personalized exercise programs and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and classification of the neurological symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Carod-Artal, F J, García-Moncó, J C·Neurology perspectives·2021

This review examines long-term symptoms people experience after COVID-19 infection, particularly neurological (brain and nerve-related) symptoms like brain fog, memory problems, headaches, and sleep issues. The authors found that post-COVID-19 syndrome is complex and variable—affecting different people in different ways—and likely involves multiple causes including immune system changes, nerve dysfunction, and possibly persistent viral effects. Because the definition and criteria for post-COVID-19 syndrome remain unclear, reported rates of occurrence vary dramatically, ranging from 2% to 85% depending on the study.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management.

Bateman, Lucinda, Bested, Alison C, Bonilla, Hector F et al.·Mayo Clinic proceedings·2021

This article brings together 21 expert doctors who specialize in ME/CFS to share the best ways to diagnose and treat this complex illness. The experts explain that most people with ME/CFS don't get properly diagnosed, and many receive treatments that can actually make them worse. They provide clear, practical guidance that general doctors can use to help ME/CFS patients feel better and improve their quality of life.

ME/CFS (general)

← Previous Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Could the kynurenine pathway be the key missing piece of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) complex puzzle?

Fatigue, post-exertional malaise and orthostatic intolerance: a map of Cochrane evidence relevant to rehabilitation for people with post COVID-19 condition.

Analysis of post COVID-19 condition and its overlap with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pain-Related Post-Exertional Malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Three-Level Meta-Analysis.

Stabilometric Biofeedback Training in Cognitive and Affective Function Improvement. Contribution of the Russian Scientific School. Part II.

Genetics of COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review.

Post COVID fatigue: Can we really ignore it?

Long-Term COVID 19 Sequelae in Adolescents: the Overlap with Orthostatic Intolerance and ME/CFS.

Ginseng for the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.

Long COVID or Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC): An Overview of Biological Factors That May Contribute to Persistent Symptoms.

Brainstem Abnormalities in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Scoping Review and Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings.

New Insights on the Role of TRP Channels in Calcium Signalling and Immunomodulation: Review of Pathways and Implications for Clinical Practice.

Cognitive symptoms after COVID-19.

A Comprehensive Update of the Current Understanding of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

A systematic review of nutraceutical interventions for mitochondrial dysfunctions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

A rapid review and expert identification of the Allied Health Professions' interventions as a contribution to public health outcomes.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Human Herpesviruses Are Back!

Approach to Fatigue: Best Practice.

Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and classification of the neurological symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research