ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

221–240 of 244 studies

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Gender differences in fibromyalgia and other related syndromes.

Yunus, Muhammad B·The journal of gender-specific medicine : JGSM : the official journal of the Partnership for Women's Health at Columbia·2002

This review looked at why fibromyalgia and similar conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome affect many more women than men. Women with fibromyalgia tend to report more fatigue, worse sleep, more widespread pain, and more tender points than men. The reasons for these differences likely involve a mix of biological factors, psychological factors, and social factors.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance.

Miller, C S·Addiction (Abingdon, England)·2001

This paper proposes a new theory called TILT (toxicant-induced loss of tolerance) that suggests the body can lose its ability to tolerate certain exposures—whether drugs or environmental chemicals—in similar ways. The author argues that both addiction and chemical sensitivity involve the same underlying breakdown in how the body normally handles these substances, which could help explain ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and other chronic illnesses.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain syndrome.

Buskila, D·Current opinion in rheumatology·2001

This review examined fibromyalgia (FM), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and related pain conditions across different countries. Researchers found that pain sensitivity involves brain chemistry (including a system called NMDA), hormone imbalances, and nervous system problems. CFS was found in about 0.4% of a large community sample, with many children recovering well, though the study notes that no major new treatments were tested during this period.

Pain and SensitizationAutonomic Nervous System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Sensitization, subjective health complaints, and sustained arousal.

Ursin, H, Eriksen, H R·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·2001

This study proposes that a process called 'sensitization'—where the body becomes increasingly reactive to triggers over time—may underlie many chronic conditions including ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and chemical sensitivities. The authors suggest that prolonged stress and sustained arousal (keeping your nervous system in a heightened alert state) may make the body more likely to develop this sensitization, particularly affecting muscles and pain perception.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Pain complaints in patients with fibromyalgia versus chronic fatigue syndrome.

Bradley, L A, McKendree-Smith, N L, Alarcón, G S·Current review of pain·2000

Both fibromyalgia (FM) and ME/CFS cause muscle and joint pain, but the underlying reasons differ between these conditions. People with FM alone have unusually sensitive pain responses to light touch or mild pressure (called allodynia), while people with ME/CFS do not typically show this. This study examined what brain and hormone system differences might explain why these two conditions cause pain in different ways.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain syndrome.

Buskila, D·Current opinion in rheumatology·2000

This review article examines the connections between fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and myofascial pain syndrome. Researchers found that people with these conditions often have tender points in their muscles, hormonal imbalances affecting stress response, and possible immune system involvement. The study suggests that talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy may help manage chronic pain in these conditions, and that children and adolescents with these illnesses often improve over time.

Pain and SensitizationAutonomic Nervous System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

[Fibromyalgia in the year 2000].

Maquet, D, Croisier, J L, Crielaard, J M·Revue medicale de Liege·2000

This review article examines fibromyalgia (FM), a condition causing widespread muscle pain that affects about 2% of people. While doctors can diagnose fibromyalgia using a specific test (checking for tenderness at 18 specific body points), scientists still don't fully understand what causes it. This article summarizes what researchers knew in 2000 about how fibromyalgia develops and how doctors treat it.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

[Fibromyalgia syndrome].

Matsumoto, Y·Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine·1999

This paper discusses fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and mood changes without visible inflammation or damage on tests. The author explains that while fibromyalgia is recognized as real, some doctors still debate whether it is truly distinct from other conditions. Many people with ME/CFS also meet the criteria for fibromyalgia, but there are some differences between the two conditions—such as signs of viral triggers and low blood chemical levels found in ME/CFS but not usually in fibromyalgia.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredObservational

Patterns of waking EEG spectral power in chemically intolerant individuals during repeated chemical exposures.

Bell, I R, Szarek, M J, Dicenso, D R et al.·The International journal of neuroscience·1999

Some people experience discomfort or symptoms from exposure to low levels of chemicals and odors. This study measured brain electrical activity (EEG) in people with chemical intolerance before and after exposure to mild chemical odors across two sessions. Researchers found that people with chemical intolerance who had made major lifestyle changes showed different brain patterns than those who hadn't, suggesting the brain may become increasingly sensitive to these exposures over time.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Neurobehavioral properties of chemical sensitivity syndromes.

Weiss, B·Neurotoxicology·1998

This review examines four conditions that involve chemical sensitivity and fatigue-like symptoms: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome, Sick Building Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Gulf War Syndrome. The authors explore different theories about why people develop these conditions, including psychiatric factors, learned behavioral responses, changes in how the nervous system works, and problems with the immune system's stress response. The review suggests that laboratory studies and controlled clinical trials could help determine which explanations are correct.

Endocrine DisruptionPain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: an update for athletic trainers.

Cramer, C R·Journal of athletic training·1998

This article reviews what we know about ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, two conditions that cause severe fatigue, muscle pain, and sleep problems. The authors looked at medical research and government health information to summarize how these conditions affect people, especially athletes. They discuss various treatments being tested, including exercise, relaxation therapy, and medications, and emphasize the importance of careful medical evaluation and psychological support during diagnosis and treatment.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Illness from low levels of environmental chemicals: relevance to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Bell, I R, Baldwin, C M, Schwartz, G E·The American journal of medicine·1998

Some people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia react strongly to small amounts of everyday chemicals (like fragrances or pesticides) that don't normally harm others. This paper reviews evidence suggesting that the brain's limbic system—which controls emotions and basic body functions—may become overly sensitive to these chemicals, creating a chain reaction that affects multiple body systems. The authors propose that certain people are born with or develop a heightened sensitivity to this kind of stimulation, which could explain why some ME/CFS patients feel sick from exposure to low levels of chemicals.

Endocrine DisruptionPain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Chronic orofacial muscle pain: a new approach to diagnosis and management.

Klineberg, I, McGregor, N, Butt, H et al.·The Alpha omegan·1998

This study looked at different types of muscle pain conditions, including fibromyalgia and jaw pain, and found they affect men and women differently. The researchers suggest that some people may be genetically vulnerable to chronic pain, and that infections at the start of illness might play a role. They found links between abnormal fat levels, muscle metabolism problems, and fibromyalgia, which may also be connected to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain.

Bennett, R·Current opinion in rheumatology·1998

This review examines how fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and widespread pain are related conditions that share similar features. Researchers found that these conditions run in families, involve abnormal pain processing in the nervous system, and may share some underlying biological problems like growth hormone imbalances and low blood pressure. Several medications and treatments showed promise in reducing symptoms.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Fibromyalgia syndrome: a review.

Reiffenberger, D H, Amundson, L H·American family physician·1996

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, stiffness, and tender points in muscles and soft tissues, often accompanied by fatigue and sleep problems. It affects women more than men, typically starting around age 49. Treatment combines medication (like certain antidepressants), education, reassurance, and exercise to help manage symptoms.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredObservational

[Multiple chemical sensitivity disorder in patients with neurotoxic illnesses].

Lohmann, K, Pröhl, A, Schwarz, E·Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband der Arzte des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))·1996

This study looked at 466 people who had neurological symptoms from toxic chemical exposure and found that 136 of them also had Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)—a condition where people react strongly to low levels of chemicals. The researchers found that wood preservatives, solvents, and formaldehyde were common culprits, and people with MCS were more likely to have chronic fatigue symptoms and allergies than those without MCS.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Sensory characterization of somatic parietal tissues in humans with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Vecchiet, L, Montanari, G, Pizzigallo, E et al.·Neuroscience letters·1996

This study tested whether people with ME/CFS have increased pain sensitivity in their muscles compared to their skin. Researchers found that muscles were significantly more sensitive to pain in ME/CFS patients, while skin sensitivity was normal. They also discovered abnormal structures and damage in muscle cells from ME/CFS patients, including problems with mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of cells) and signs of degeneration.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Chronic fatigue syndrome. Definition, diagnostic measures and therapeutic possibilities].

Lieb, K, Dammann, G, Berger, M et al.·Der Nervenarzt·1996

ME/CFS is a disorder that causes persistent tiredness, but doctors cannot diagnose it with a simple blood test or scan. Instead, doctors use specific clinical criteria to identify the condition, while carefully ruling out other illnesses like depression or sleep problems that can look similar. Currently, there is no cure for ME/CFS, so treatment focuses on managing individual symptoms like poor sleep, pain, and mood changes with a combination of medical care and psychological support.

Pain and SensitizationSleepDiagnostics

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM not required

'Repetitive strain injury': from Australia to the UK.

Reilly, P A·Journal of psychosomatic research·1995

In the 1980s, Australia experienced a widespread outbreak of upper limb pain that didn't fit standard medical diagnoses. The UK is now seeing a similar epidemic. This study examines whether the condition is truly caused by workplace activities or whether psychological and social factors play a larger role, similar to what happens in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The ocular signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Caffery, B E, Josephson, J E, Samek, M J·Journal of the American Optometric Association·1994

This study looked at eye problems in 25 people with ME/CFS and found that all of them experienced some eye-related symptoms. The most common issues were problems with tears and the eye's surface, as well as difficulty focusing on close objects. Eye doctors should be aware of these issues when examining ME/CFS patients.

Pain and Sensitization

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Evidence browser

Gender differences in fibromyalgia and other related syndromes.

Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance.

Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain syndrome.

Sensitization, subjective health complaints, and sustained arousal.

Pain complaints in patients with fibromyalgia versus chronic fatigue syndrome.

Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain syndrome.

[Fibromyalgia in the year 2000].

[Fibromyalgia syndrome].

Patterns of waking EEG spectral power in chemically intolerant individuals during repeated chemical exposures.

Neurobehavioral properties of chemical sensitivity syndromes.

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: an update for athletic trainers.

Illness from low levels of environmental chemicals: relevance to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Chronic orofacial muscle pain: a new approach to diagnosis and management.

Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myofascial pain.

Fibromyalgia syndrome: a review.

[Multiple chemical sensitivity disorder in patients with neurotoxic illnesses].

Sensory characterization of somatic parietal tissues in humans with chronic fatigue syndrome.

[Chronic fatigue syndrome. Definition, diagnostic measures and therapeutic possibilities].

'Repetitive strain injury': from Australia to the UK.

The ocular signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

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