Author Archives: wames
Cardiac abnormality and low blood volume confirmed in CFS
Research abstract: Objectives: To explore potential mechanisms that underpin the cardiac abnormalities seen in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) using non-invasive cardiac impedance, red cell mass and plasma volume measurements. Methods Crdiac MR (MR) examinations were performed using 3 T Philips Intera … Continue reading
ME/CFS: the small heart disease
Health rising blog post, by Cort Johnson, 27 Jun 27 2016: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the small heart disease Did you know that you probably have a smaller heart than normal? Four studies suggest that if you have chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) … Continue reading
Unexpected findings & promoting monocausal claims, a cautionary tale
Article abstract: Stories of serendipitous discoveries in medicine incorrectly imply that the path from an unexpected observation to major discovery is straightforward or guaranteed. In this paper, I examine a case from the field of research about chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). In Norway, … Continue reading
Negotiating trust on health-related online forums
Research abstract: The internet is increasingly being used as a source of health advice and information by individuals with long term conditions (LTCs). Specifically, online forums allow people to interact with others with similar conditions. However, it is not clear … Continue reading
The ‘all in the mind’ myth of ME/CFS
Nursing in practice article, by Dr Keith Geraghty, 27 June 2016: The ‘all in the mind’ myth of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome Health professionals should be made aware that ME/CFS is not a psychological illness and in order to improve … Continue reading
The difficulties of studying whether negative illness beliefs contribute to maintenance of CFS symptoms
Review abstract: PURPOSE: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by severe and debilitating fatigue. Studies based on self-report measures suggest negative illness representations, related symptom interpretations, and heightened symptom focusing are maintaining factors of fatigue. This study reviews studies which … Continue reading
Activity pacing is associated with better & worse symptoms in long term conditions
Research abstract: Background: Activity pacing has been associated with both improved and worsened symptoms, and its role in reducing disability among patients with long-term conditions has been questioned. However, existing studies have measured pacing according to uni-dimensional subscales, and therefore the empirical evidence for … Continue reading
Gastric enterovirus infection: a possible cause of gastroparesis
Research abstract: BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis (GP) is a disabling chronic gastroenterologic disorder with high morbidity that severely impacts patients’ quality of life. GP can present acutely after a viral-like gastrointestinal illness resulting in speculation that in some patients, neurologic damage caused … Continue reading
Indicator of CFS found in gut bacteria
Cornell Chronicle blog post by Krishna Ramanujan, 24 June 2016: Indicator of chronic fatigue syndrome found in gut bacteria Physicians have been mystified by chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition where normal exertion leads to debilitating fatigue that isn’t alleviated by rest. … Continue reading
Research project to evaluate daily activity patterns and heart rate
Newswise Stony Brook University blog post, by …, 23 June 2016: Getting to the Heart of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Stony Brook researcher receives $1.5 million NIH grant to evaluate daily activity patterns and heart rate of those who suffer from … Continue reading
