ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

61–80 of 250 studies

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

A comparison of pain, fatigue, and function between post-COVID-19 condition, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome: a survey study.

Haider, Saman, Janowski, Adam J, Lesnak, Joseph B et al.·Pain·2023

This study surveyed 707 people with post-COVID-19, fibromyalgia, and/or ME/CFS to compare their symptoms. Researchers found that all three conditions share similar patterns of pain, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and depression that impact daily life. People with post-COVID-19 reported somewhat less severe pain and fatigue than those with fibromyalgia or ME/CFS, but those with multiple diagnoses had worse symptoms overall.

Pain and SensitizationCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

The Impact of Micro RNA-320a Serum Level on Severity of Symptoms and Cerebral Processing of Pain in Patients with Fibromyalgia.

Hussein, Mona, Fathy, Wael, Abdelaleem, Enas A et al.·Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.)·2022

Researchers measured a molecule called miR-320a in the blood of people with fibromyalgia and compared it to healthy people. They found that fibromyalgia patients had higher levels of this molecule, and those with higher levels tended to have worse symptoms like pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and depression. However, this molecule did not appear to affect how the brain processes pain signals.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E2 ModerateDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Assessing sleep and pain among adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: psychometric evaluation of the PROMIS® sleep and pain short forms.

Yang, Manshu, Keller, San, Lin, Jin-Mann S·Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation·2022

This study tested whether two questionnaires (PROMIS scales) accurately measure sleep problems and pain in people with ME/CFS. Researchers surveyed over 600 ME/CFS patients and 338 healthy people at seven clinics across the USA. The questionnaires worked well—they consistently measured what they were supposed to measure, and they clearly showed the difference between ME/CFS patients (who had worse sleep and pain) and healthy controls.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

The incidence and characteristics of chronic pain and fatigue after 12 months later admitting with COVID-19; The Post- COVID 19 syndrome.

Janbazi, Lobaneh, Kazemian, Alireza, Mansouri, Kourosh et al.·American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation·2022

Researchers followed 157 people who were hospitalized with COVID-19 and checked on them 12 months later. They found that about 27% still had chronic fatigue and muscle weakness, and about 15% experienced chronic pain, mostly in the lower back and legs. Women were more likely than men to report these symptoms, and many patients were only using pain medications rather than receiving rehabilitation or mental health support.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

The Significance of Pain Drawing as a Screening Tool for Cervicogenic Headache and Associated Symptoms in Chronic Fatigue.

Bernhoff, Gabriella, Huhmar, Helena M, Rasmussen-Barr, Eva et al.·Journal of pain research·2022

This study looked at whether a simple drawing tool could help identify a specific type of headache (cervicogenic headache) in people with ME/CFS. Researchers found that 42% of ME/CFS patients had a particular pain pattern on their drawings that suggested their headache came from their neck. Patients with this neck-related pain pattern also experienced more dizziness, worse pain, and lower quality of life compared to others.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModeratePEM not requiredRegistry-Resource

Sarcoidosis among US Hispanics in a Nationwide Registry.

Innabi, Ayoub, Alzghoul, Bashar N, Kalra, Saminder et al.·Respiratory medicine·2021

This study looked at how sarcoidosis (a disease that causes inflammation in the body) affects Hispanic patients in the United States compared to non-Hispanic patients. Researchers surveyed nearly 3,835 people and found that Hispanic patients with sarcoidosis experience more depression, chronic pain, sleep problems, and job loss than non-Hispanic patients. The findings suggest that doctors may need to approach treatment differently for Hispanic patients with this condition.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Do patients with central sensitivity syndromes have poor subjective outcomes despite anatomical cure from pelvic organ prolapse surgery?

Vij, Monika, Dua, Anu, Davies, Anthony et al.·International urogynecology journal·2021

This study looked at whether women with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, or IBS (conditions involving central nervous system sensitivity) had worse outcomes after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse compared to women without these conditions. The researchers found that women with these central sensitivity syndromes reported more persistent symptoms, more pain, and lower satisfaction with surgery even when the surgery was technically successful.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Health, Wellbeing, and Prognosis of Australian Adolescents with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Case-Controlled Follow-Up Study.

Josev, Elisha K, Cole, Rebecca C, Scheinberg, Adam et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

This study followed Australian teenagers with ME/CFS for about two years after diagnosis to see how they were doing. While many young people improved in mood and some symptoms, fatigue, pain, and overall quality of life stayed significantly worse compared to healthy teenagers. About two-thirds of the teens still had ME/CFS at follow-up, suggesting the condition often persists in the early years after diagnosis.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

High Prevalence of Perineural Cysts in Patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Hulens, Mieke, Bruyninckx, Frans, Dankaerts, Wim et al.·Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.)·2021

Researchers found that small fluid-filled sacs called perineural cysts (Tarlov cysts) near nerve roots in the spine were present in 39% of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia or ME/CFS—three times more common than in the general population. These cysts may irritate nerves and could potentially explain why some patients with these conditions experience widespread pain and fatigue. This finding suggests that fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and symptomatic Tarlov cysts might share a similar underlying cause related to spinal fluid pressure.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredLongitudinal

The association between exposure to domestic abuse in women and the development of syndromes indicating central nervous system sensitization: A retrospective cohort study using UK primary care records.

Chandan, Joht Singh, Keerthy, Deepiksana, Gokhale, Krishna Margadhamane et al.·European journal of pain (London, England)·2021

This study looked at whether women who experienced domestic abuse were more likely to develop conditions involving chronic pain and nervous system sensitivity, such as fibromyalgia and ME/CFS. Researchers compared health records of over 22,000 women who had experienced abuse with nearly 45,000 women who had not. They found that abuse survivors had significantly higher rates of several pain-related conditions, suggesting that trauma may trigger or worsen these syndromes.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM): the foundation of a relationship.

Mckay, Pamela G, Martin, Colin R, Walker, Helen et al.·British journal of pain·2021

This study compared people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia (FM) to see if these two conditions share similar symptoms and severity. Researchers asked 208 participants from each group to complete questionnaires about their pain, fatigue, sleep quality, mood, and how much these symptoms affected their daily lives. The study found that both groups experienced similarly debilitating symptoms and poor quality of life, suggesting these conditions may be connected in important ways.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Clinical Profile and Aspects of Differential Diagnosis in Patients with ME/CFS from Latvia.

Krumina, Angelika, Vecvagare, Katrine, Svirskis, Simons et al.·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2021

This study looked at 65 people with ME/CFS in Latvia to understand their main symptoms and how the condition differs from simple tiredness. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS commonly experience fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, and sleep problems—more often than people without ME/CFS. When patients had other health conditions alongside ME/CFS, their symptoms tended to be more severe.

Pain and SensitizationSleepDiagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Central sensitisation in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; a case control study.

Bourke, Julius H, Wodehouse, Theresa, Clark, Lucy V et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2021

This study tested whether ME/CFS and fibromyalgia involve a condition called 'central sensitisation,' where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain signals. Researchers compared pain sensitivity in 19 ME/CFS patients, 19 fibromyalgia patients, and 20 healthy people using physical tests. They found that 84% of ME/CFS patients and 95% of fibromyalgia patients showed signs of central sensitisation, while none of the healthy controls did.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearLongitudinal

Impact of Life Stressors on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms: An Australian Longitudinal Study.

Balinas, Cassandra, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Maksoud, Rebekah et al.·International journal of environmental research and public health·2021

This Australian study followed 36 ME/CFS patients over five months to see how life stressors affected their symptoms. The researchers found that major life changes like work disruptions or money problems were linked to worsening symptoms like brain fog, stomach issues, pain, and sleep problems. Interestingly, patients who had better access to healthcare and support services experienced fewer severe symptoms.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The impact of COVID-19 stress on pain and fatigue in people with and without a central sensitivity syndrome.

Koppert, Tim Y, Jacobs, Johannes W G, Lumley, Mark A et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2021

This study looked at whether pandemic-related stress made pain and fatigue worse in people with central sensitivity syndromes (conditions like ME/CFS and fibromyalgia) compared to those without these conditions. Researchers surveyed Dutch participants before COVID-19 (2018) and during the pandemic peak (2020), measuring stress levels, symptom severity, and psychological flexibility (the ability to adapt to difficult emotions). Surprisingly, the study found that while stress and symptom severity were generally linked, having a central sensitivity syndrome did not make people more vulnerable to stress-related symptom worsening.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM unclearLongitudinal

Longitudinal outcomes associated with significant other responses to chronic fatigue and pain.

Schmaling, Karen B, Fales, Jessica L, McPherson, Sterling·Journal of health psychology·2020

This study followed 68 people with chronic fatigue (some also with fibromyalgia) for 18 months to see how their loved ones' responses affected their health outcomes. The researchers found that when significant others responded negatively to fatigue and pain, patients experienced more pain, worse mental health, and worse fatigue symptoms over time. Interestingly, when loved ones were more helpful and comforting (solicitous), patients with more fibromyalgia tender points tended to have this response, and when loved ones helped distract patients, mental health was better.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Cognitive factors are associated with disability and pain, but not fatigue among physiotherapy attendees with persistent pain and fatigue.

Thompson, Dave P, Antcliff, Deborah, Woby, Steve R·Physiotherapy·2020

This study looked at how thoughts and beliefs affect pain, disability, and fatigue in people with long-term pain and exhaustion who were receiving physiotherapy. Researchers found that how confident people felt about managing their condition (self-efficacy) and how much they catastrophized (worried excessively) about their symptoms were linked to pain levels and disability, but surprisingly were not linked to fatigue levels.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Health-related quality of life in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an Australian cross-sectional study.

Eaton-Fitch, N, Johnston, S C, Zalewski, P et al.·Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation·2020

This Australian study of 480 people with ME/CFS found that the condition severely impacts quality of life across all major areas—physical functioning, emotional well-being, pain, and energy levels. People with ME/CFS scored much lower on quality of life measures compared to the general population, with the lowest scores for physical activities and fatigue. The study identified specific symptoms like cognitive difficulties, sleep problems, and cardiovascular issues that are most strongly linked to reduced quality of life.

Pain and SensitizationSleepCognitive Impairment

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Pressure Point Thresholds and ME/CFS Comorbidity as Indicators of Patient's Response to Manual Physiotherapy in Fibromyalgia.

Falaguera-Vera, Francisco Javier, Garcia-Escudero, María, Bonastre-Férez, Javier et al.·International journal of environmental research and public health·2020

This study tested whether hands-on physiotherapy (manual therapy) could help people with fibromyalgia (FM) by reducing pain sensitivity and improving quality of life. Researchers measured pain sensitivity before and after treatment using a special device called an algometer. The main finding was that people with fibromyalgia alone responded better to the therapy than those who had both fibromyalgia and ME/CFS.

Pain and Sensitization

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Health Conditions and Psychotic Experiences: Cross-Sectional Findings From the American Life Panel.

Oh, Hans, Smith, Lee, Koyanagi, Ai·Frontiers in psychiatry·2020

This study looked at whether people who experience psychotic symptoms (like unusual beliefs or perceptions) also tend to have more physical health problems. Researchers surveyed a representative group of American adults and found that people reporting lifetime psychotic experiences were more likely to have conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, sleep disorders, migraines, and gastrointestinal problems. The more health conditions someone had, the stronger the association with psychotic experiences.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

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A comparison of pain, fatigue, and function between post-COVID-19 condition, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome: a survey study.

The Impact of Micro RNA-320a Serum Level on Severity of Symptoms and Cerebral Processing of Pain in Patients with Fibromyalgia.

Assessing sleep and pain among adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: psychometric evaluation of the PROMIS® sleep and pain short forms.

The incidence and characteristics of chronic pain and fatigue after 12 months later admitting with COVID-19; The Post- COVID 19 syndrome.

The Significance of Pain Drawing as a Screening Tool for Cervicogenic Headache and Associated Symptoms in Chronic Fatigue.

Sarcoidosis among US Hispanics in a Nationwide Registry.

Do patients with central sensitivity syndromes have poor subjective outcomes despite anatomical cure from pelvic organ prolapse surgery?

Health, Wellbeing, and Prognosis of Australian Adolescents with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A Case-Controlled Follow-Up Study.

High Prevalence of Perineural Cysts in Patients with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The association between exposure to domestic abuse in women and the development of syndromes indicating central nervous system sensitization: A retrospective cohort study using UK primary care records.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM): the foundation of a relationship.

Clinical Profile and Aspects of Differential Diagnosis in Patients with ME/CFS from Latvia.

Central sensitisation in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia; a case control study.

Impact of Life Stressors on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms: An Australian Longitudinal Study.

The impact of COVID-19 stress on pain and fatigue in people with and without a central sensitivity syndrome.

Longitudinal outcomes associated with significant other responses to chronic fatigue and pain.

Cognitive factors are associated with disability and pain, but not fatigue among physiotherapy attendees with persistent pain and fatigue.

Health-related quality of life in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an Australian cross-sectional study.

Pressure Point Thresholds and ME/CFS Comorbidity as Indicators of Patient's Response to Manual Physiotherapy in Fibromyalgia.

Health Conditions and Psychotic Experiences: Cross-Sectional Findings From the American Life Panel.

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