Myalgic encephalopathy (ME) or Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects around 6,000 people across Sussex many of whom are housebound and in need of care.
During the October UK CFS/ME Research Collaborative conference in Newcastle, neurologist Dr Mark Edwards announced that a team of scientists wants to test a new theory for how functional symptoms can arise from the brain.
The project, which is being funded by the Medical Research Council will involve three scientists – Dr Mark Edwards, a neurologist at the Motor Neurosciences Unit, UCL Institute of Neurology, Dr. Neil Harrison from the University of Sussex and Dr James Kilner at University College London.
Prof Leslie Findley, medical advisor, said: “We are pleased to note that the MRC approved and funded the Sussex Research Study, which will examine simultaneously brain responses using such techniques as functional magnetic resonance imaging, and inflammatory responses in a cohort of people with CSF/ME.
“The object of the research is to answer the hypothesis that the symptoms of CFS/ME relate to maladapation in brain responses, and are maintained by abnormal inflammatory responses. Clearly if this hypothesis was proven, it would be consistent with the WHO’s view that CFS/ME should be considered as a primary neurological (ie, brain) disorder.”
Colin Barton, chairman of Sussex ME/CFS Society, says: “We are delighted to be able to assist with this important study.”
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