2026/04/29 by Stephanie L. Grach, Jaime Seltzer, Michael R Mueller +5 · 1 voice
Medicine · Neuroscience · #Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research #Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 #Genetic Neurodegenerative Diseases
paper · doi:10.1370/afm.250266
PURPOSE: Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multisystem neurologic disease characterized by profound fatigue and decreased functional capacity, postexertional malaise, and unrefreshing sleep, along with cognitive impairment and/or orthostatic intolerance. Its prevalence has risen exponentially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Pharmacologic therapies have been used successfully by ME/CFS specialists but may be underused by the general medical field. METHODS: To assess this potential practice gap, we retrospectively analyzed the records of 571 patients with an ME/CFS diagnosis referred to our ME/CFS specialty clinic in Minnesota during 2018-2022. We ascertained medications that had already been tried at the time of consultation and also ascertained supplement use. RESULTS: and B complex, and fish oil. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that potentially helpful medications for ME/CFS are being underprescribed in the general medical field and that patients may resort to supplements to manage symptoms. Better education of clinicians about available treatment options and treatment guides may improve management of this debilitating disease.