SWAlexander
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Key findings
- Detailed MRI scans were used to investigate communication between different areas of the brain – or functional connectivity – in people with ME/CFS.
- Functional connectivity was impaired between areas of the brain involved in movement, cognitive function, sensory processing, the sleep–wakefulness cycle, self-awareness and autonomic responses.
- In addition, functional connectivity was associated with respiration, length of illness, fatigue severity, pain intensity and memory scores.
- These results highlight the involvement of the brainstem and cerebellum in the mechanisms underlying ME/CFS, and suggest that there are ongoing changes in the brain.
Dr Barnden explains more about his research in this short video:
Conclusion
Dr Barnden and his team say that their findings highlight the involvement of the brainstem and cerebellum in the mechanisms of ME/CFS. They also suggest that their results indicate that ME/CFS may be associated with ongoing changes in the brain. For this reason, research that follows individuals over time is needed.We look forward to seeing more results from this research, and how Dr Barnden and his team will build on these findings in their ongoing studies.
Read: https://www.meresearch.org.uk/research/brain-functional-connectivity-in-people-with-me-cfs/