Changes in the Mid-Brain

[Barbarian]

This looks interesting: <a href="http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=16159" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=16159</a>

<div class=quote>A team of independent Adelaide Australia researchers has made a breakthrough in CFS (ME/CFS) research using new approaches to the analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain.

Applying this to MRI scans of individuals with the much maligned chronic fatigue syndrome, they have discovered previously unsuspected changes in brain structure and function in CFS.

Said Dr Richard Kwiatek, lead clinician of the group:

“Whilst acknowledging that our results need to be independently confirmed, they show striking changes in the midbrain which plays critical and primitive regulatory roles in the nervous system.

“<b>We now know why patients with CFS are so sick: it’s because a very basic and important control center in the brain is almost certainly affected.</b> And this is without factoring in already known problems with their peripheral immune system.”</div>
Here's the study: <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/nbm.1692/abstract" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/nbm.1692/abstract</a>

<div class=quote>In the midbrain, white matter volume was observed to decrease with increasing fatigue duration.

A strong correlation in CFS between brainstem GM volume and pulse pressure suggested impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation. It can be argued that at least some of these changes could arise from astrocyte dysfunction. These results are consistent with an insult to the midbrain at fatigue onset that affects multiple feedback control loops to suppress cerebral motor and cognitive activity and disrupt local CNS homeostasis, including resetting of some elements of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). </div>
I've always felt like something had happened to my brain. I find studies like this really encouraging - much more so than XMRV (although of course it's vitally important to eliminate things one by one). Another piece of the puzzle falling into place... ?

B.
<em>edited by Barbarian on 5/14/2011</em>

[Init1972]

Wow that is really interesting B - also the fact that their may ACTUALLY be proof I DO have a brain after all!! lol

I'm with you on this one - it would make perfect sense - I am discussing MRI Scans at next appointment so will print this article me thinks to discuss!

Les xxx

[Barbarian]

Hahaha, I might have a brain in there somewhere but that doesn't prove it works...

Who are you discussing with - a CFS specialist or your GP?

[Init1972]

I have an appointment with Physio on Thurs and we discussed MRI scan briefly if the walking stick doesn't help - it isn't - so looks likely now so I will ask him.

I also have BUPA through my partner and STILL have never called them and was going to see if it would be covered and maybe get a private one done?

GP will probably ask me "what is an MRI Scan??"!!!

Also have 3 month catch up with CFS/ME CBT course with the Occ Therapist, Physio & Psych so worth a mention I believe lol

[Barbarian]

Ah ok, well I'll be very interested to know what your results are when you do get one done - I've never had one and don't think it's likely that my GP would do one at this stage. Of course if they find a cure for people showing up in these scans then I'll be demanding one!