May 23, 2014

expert reaction to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and brain imaging as published in PLOS One

A paper published in PLOS One reported that patients suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/ME showed decreased activation in the basal ganglia, an area of the brain that regulates motor activity and motivation.

Prof Peter White, Barts and the London School of Medicine, said:

“This is an interesting study from a reputable group of scientists, which, if replicated by others, may help us to better understand why patients feel so exhausted when suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The functions of the basal ganglia include mediating motivation among other tasks such as the regulation of movement. Most tasks do feel more of an effort when there is little motivation to do them. However, patients with CFS are exhausted even after activities that they want to do. We also need to understand why this reduced activation only affected one side of the brain.”

‘Decreased Basal Ganglia Activation in Subjects with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Association with Symptoms of Fatigue’ by Miller et al. published in PLoS One on Friday 23^rd May.

Declared interests

Prof Peter White has provided consultancy for both the UK Departments of Health and Work and Pensions, and a re-insurance company.