Quantitative Electroencephalographic assessment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: support for a novel diagnostic protocol, by Andrew E Pellegrini. Laurentian University: a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the
Honors degree Bachelor of Science 2019
Research abstract:
The historical infectious disease Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) also erroneously known as chronic fatigue Syndrome (CFS) termed “ME/CFS” represents a complex area of difficulty for the modern medical profession where it is commonly held that no empirical diagnostic tests exist to solve its mystery. Confusion surrounding ME/CFS has frequently led to unfounded psychiatric interpretations and application of associated treatments including graded exercise therapy (GET)which is harmful to patients (Twisk & Maes, 2009).
The Nightingale Research Foundation (NRF) led by Dr. Byron Hyde have developed an empirically testable and non-falsifiable ME/CFS criteria defined by a) SPECT (Single Positron Emission Computed Tomography) demonstrating diffuse vascular hypoperfusion over key areas of cerebral cortex and b) persisting enteroviral presence in the gut measured with immunoperoxidase staining (Hyde, 2017, Chia et al, 2009). NRF’s data strongly support that both poliomyelitis and ME/CFS represent enteroviral central nervous system pathologies secondary to insufficient blood supply caused by vascular cuffing.
The present study was conducted to independently assess NRF SPECT findings using qEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalography) coupled with sLORETA (Standardized Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography) software.
Forty-five adult volunteers (aged 18 or over) with a medical diagnosis of ME/CFS were recruited. An aggregate brain representing 675 minutes of eyes-closed data was assembled from the group and compared to the sLORETA BRL normative database in the frequency range between 1.5-35Hz.
Results show 13 source localizations significant (z= 3.085, p= 0.001) overlap with key NRF SPECT findings. NRF SPECT findings can be independently confirmed with qEEG coupled with sLORETA and neuroanatomically support signs and symptoms of the disease first documented in 1934.
SPECT and qEEG should be immediately taken up by the scientific and medical professions as definitive standards for measuring ME/CFS.
