Simmaron Research blog post, by Cort Johnson, 19 March 2018: Did a Multiple Sclerosis study give us clues about ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia?
Why should a blog focused on chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) be interested in multiple sclerosis? Because some distinct similarities exist between the three diseases, and when diseases like ME/CFS and FM aren’t getting much research, sometimes it pays to pay attention to diseases that are. You never know what insights might open up.
For the record, while multiple sclerosis is not as disabling as ME/CFS (yes – studies indicate that ME/CFS is more disabling than MS), MS is considered one of the most fatiguing diseases known. (Dr. Light’s study actually found more fatigue in MS but much less post-exertional malaise ME/CFS.)
Additionally, MS like ME/CFS and FM, mostly strikes women in mid-life. Plus, having mononucleosis/glandular fever increases the risk of coming down with either ME/CFS or MS and one suspects, FM as well. Infections often trigger relapses in both MS and ME/CFS. Pregnancy also often brings a respite for women with either MS or ME/CFS (often unfortunately followed by a relapse.) Central nervous system involvement is present in all three diseases. In fact, Simmaron’s spinal fluid study found similar levels of immune dysregulation in ME/CFS and multiple sclerosis.
Simmaron’s Spinal Fluid Study Finds Dramatic Differences in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Lastly, check out an amazing story where an ME/CFS patient misdiagnosed with MS responded to an MS drug with a complete remission of her symptoms – A Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/POTS Patient Responds to a Multiple Sclerosis Drug – What Does It Mean?
Read the full article for a discussion of how research into the hormonal and autoimmune components of MS might through light on ME/CFS
