Q and A: about health and research

ME/CFS is often used as a broad diagnostic category, but in some cases underlying medical conditions may remain partially investigated or overlooked.    Commonly associated factors may include viral infections, post-exertional malaise (PEM), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), fibromyalgia-like pain, immune or vascular abnormalities, neuroinflammation and/or encephalitis, possible glymphatic or lymphatic system dysfunction, and possible syringomyelia. Further research, including head and torso MRI imaging, comprehensive hematological and endocrinological testing, and evaluation of genetic or inherited markers, may help clarify underlying mechanisms and improve diagnostic understanding. At the same time, important conditions such as thyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency, lupus, hemophilia or other bleeding disorders, infections, vasculitis, and other systemic illnesses may not always be fully excluded and can coexist with or contribute to symptoms. The example...

Update: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, circulation, and digestion. It is characterized by orthostatic intolerance and an excessive increase in heart rate after moving to an upright position, often accompanied by disabling multisystem symptoms. POTS and Long COVID Long COVID is associated with persistent autonomic dysfunction, including orthostatic intolerance and POTS. In a cross-sectional study of individuals with symptoms lasting at least four weeks after moderate COVID-19, beat-to-beat cardiovascular recordings and a novel geometric method were used to characterize baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). During orthostasis, patients exhibited significantly lower BRS than healthy controls. Reduced BRS was associated with higher arterial blood pressure and heart rate, as well as lower heart-rate variabilit...