Pyrrhus
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Central Autonomic Network Disturbance in ME/CFS: A Pilot Study (Zinn, Zinn, and Jason, 2021)
https://www.neuroregulation.org/article/view/21387/14065
A new EEG publication with eLORETA analysis from Mark and Marcie Zinn (RIP).
Excerpt:
https://www.neuroregulation.org/article/view/21387/14065
A new EEG publication with eLORETA analysis from Mark and Marcie Zinn (RIP).
- An ElectroEncephaloGram (EEG) is a simple, inexpensive technique that non-invasively measures electrical brain activity at the scalp.
- eLORETA is an EEG analysis technique that localizes the electrical brain activity to specific locations in the outer part of the brain.
- The article raises the interesting possibility of combining a handgrip test with an EEG to objectively detect Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) in a way that is safer than a 2-day CPET, and that recognizes both the physical and cognitive nature of PEM.
Excerpt:
(spacing added for readability)Zinn et al 2021 said:Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease of the central nervous system known to be associated with multiple behavioral symptoms (fatigue, low stamina, dizziness, etc.) combined with autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, thus implicating the central autonomic network (CAN). Postexertional malaise (PEM) is a core feature of ME/CFS, characterized by a pathological reduction in stamina in response to performing minor physical or mental tasks, often lasting at least 24 hours.
Exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) allows noninvasive investigation of cortical regions of interest that may contribute to better understanding of the role of the brain disturbances in behavioral manifestations of PEM. This pilot study therefore aimed to use eLORETA to characterize changes in current density in cortical structures related to the CAN following submaximal isometric handgrip exercise in seven patients with ME/CFS and six neurotypical healthy controls (HCs).
Resting EEG was recorded at pre-and post-handgrip, and 24 hours later. Findings showed that significant differences occurred immediately post test, which were most pronounced after 24 hours, particularly in the low alpha (8–10 Hz) and low beta (13–18 Hz) frequency subbands. Together, the present findings offer support for EEG source localization techniques to investigate PEM. If confirmed, this study could provide a useful instrument for aiding functional diagnosis and evaluation of treatment outcomes.