New Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 2023: A groundbreaking breakthrough occurred in 2023 with the introduction of a new treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Australian scientists have discovered a potential game-changer called low-dose Naltrexone (LDN). LDN exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, offering promising results in enhancing communication between the immune and nervous systems.
Definition
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex and debilitating condition that causes extreme fatigue that lasts for at least six months and is not relieved by rest. It can also involve a range of other symptoms that affect various systems of the body. CFS can also be called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID)
Signs and symptoms
The main symptom of CFS is severe and persistent fatigue that worsens with physical or mental activity and does not improve with rest. In addition, CFS patients must have at least four of the following symptoms for at least six months
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is a worsening of symptoms after any kind of exertion
- Unrefreshing sleep or insomnia
- Cognitive impairment, such as problems with memory, concentration, or thinking
- Orthostatic intolerance, which is a drop in blood pressure or increases in heart rate when standing up
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Joint pain without swelling or redness
- Headaches of a new type, pattern, or severity
- Sore throat or tender lymph nodes
- Sensitivity to light, sound, odors, chemicals, or foods
Other possible symptoms of CFS include:
- Depression, anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
- Digestive problems, such as nausea, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
- Allergies or sensitivities to foods, medications, or environmental factors
- Dizziness, balance problems, or fainting
- Chills, sweats, low-grade fever, or night sweats
- Visual disturbances, such as blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain, or dry eyes
- Chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat
Causes
The exact cause of CFS is unknown and may vary from person to person. However, some possible factors that may trigger or contribute to CFS include
- Viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), enteroviruses, or retroviruses
- Bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease, Q fever, or mycoplasma
- Immune system dysfunction or inflammation
- Hormonal imbalances or deficiencies
- Genetic predisposition or susceptibility
- Physical or emotional trauma or stress
- Environmental toxins or pollutants
Diagnosis
There is no specific test for CFS and the diagnosis is based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination. The diagnosis of CFS requires the following criteria
- The patient had severe chronic fatigue for at least six months which is not due to ongoing exertion or other medical conditions.
- The fatigue significantly interferes with daily activities and work.
- The patient has at least four of the eight symptoms listed above.
- The patient has had a thorough medical evaluation to rule out other possible causes of fatigue and symptoms.
Some tests that may be done to exclude other conditions include
- Blood tests to check for anemia, thyroid function, liver function, kidney function, infection markers, autoimmune antibodies, hormone levels, vitamin deficiencies, or other abnormalities.
- Urine tests to check for infection, kidney problems, or diabetes.
- Stool tests to check for parasites, bacteria, or blood.
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to check for organ damage, tumors, or inflammation.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart problems.
- Tilt table test to check for orthostatic intolerance.
- Sleep study to check for sleep disorders.
A New Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 2023
There is no cure for CFS and the treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. The treatment may vary depending on the patient’s needs and preferences and may involve a combination of the following approaches:
Medications
Some medications that may be prescribed for CFS include:
- Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to ease muscle and joint pain and headaches.
- Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) to improve mood, sleep, and pain.
- Stimulants such as methylphenidate or modafinil enhance alertness and energy.
- Antivirals such as valacyclovir or acyclovir treat viral infections that may be associated with CFS.
- Immune modulators such as rituximab or cyclophosphamide suppress or regulate the immune system.
- Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) to block opioid receptors and stimulate endorphin production, which may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
If you have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), or know someone who does, you know how hard it is to live with this condition. CFS makes you feel extremely tired all the time, no matter how much you rest. It also causes a bunch of other problems like brain fog, memory loss, muscle and joint pain, sleep issues, heart troubles, and sensitivity to light and noise. And the worst part is that doing any kind of activity can make you feel even worse for days or weeks. This is called post-exertional malaise (PEM), and it’s a nightmare.
There is no cure for CFS right now, and the available treatments are pretty lame. The official guidelines in Australia recommend doing graded exercise therapy (GET) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but many patients and researchers say they don’t work or can even harm you. Some countries like the UK have ditched these treatments from their guidelines because they suck.
But don’t lose hope yet, because there is some good news on the horizon. A team of awesome scientists and doctors from Griffith University’s National Centre for Neuro-immunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED) in Australia has been working hard to figure out what causes CFS and how to treat it. They have found out that CFS is not all in your head but in your cells. They have discovered that some of the cells in your body, like immune cells and nerve cells, have problems with calcium channels and receptors, which mess up the communication between your nervous system and your immune system.
Based on this discovery, the NCNED team has come up with a potential treatment for CFS:
low-dose Naltrexone (LDN). LDN is a drug that blocks opioid receptors at low doses, which makes your body produce more endorphins and enkephalins, natural painkillers that also help your immune system. LDN has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects and has been used successfully to treat various autoimmune diseases and chronic pain conditions.
The NCNED team is currently testing LDN on CFS patients in a clinical trial. The trial involves 120 people who will get either LDN or a placebo for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week break. The main thing they will measure is how much fatigue they feel, using a questionnaire. They will also measure other things like pain level, sleep quality, cognitive function, mood, quality of life, immune markers, and calcium channel function.
The trial should be done by mid-2023, and the results will be published soon after. If LDN works, it could be a game-changer for CFS patients who have been suffering for years without effective treatments. LDN is a cheap and easy-to-get drug that has few side effects and can be taken by patients themselves. It could potentially improve not only the physical symptoms of CFS but also the mental and social aspects of living with this condition.
The NCNED team is also pushing for new national treatment guidelines for CFS in Australia, based on the latest science and patient feedback. They are joining forces with politicians, patient representatives, and other researchers from across the country to fight for better care and support for CFS patients at Parliament House in Canberra. They hope that their efforts will lead to more recognition, awareness, funding, and research for CFS in Australia and beyond.
CFS is a serious and complex illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It is not a psychological or psychiatric disorder, but a biological one that involves problems in multiple systems of the body. There is no cure for CFS yet, but there is hope for new treatments that can make life better for patients. LDN is one such promising treatment that is currently being tested by Australian scientists who are at the cutting edge of CFS research. By combining cool science with patient advocacy, they are paving the way for a brighter future for CFS patients.
Lifestyle changes
Some lifestyle changes that may help CFS patients include:
- Pacing activities and resting as needed to avoid overexertion and PEM.
- Following a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats, and avoiding foods that may trigger allergies or sensitivities.
- Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, which may worsen symptoms or interfere with sleep.
- Practicing good sleep hygiene and maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding naps during the day, and limiting exposure to light and noise at night.
- Managing stress and coping with emotions through relaxation techniques, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or counseling.
- Seeking social support from family, friends, or support groups who can understand and empathize with the condition.
Alternative therapies
Some alternative therapies that may be beneficial for CFS patients include:
- Acupuncture stimulates specific points in the body and restores the flow of energy or qi.
- Massage therapy to relax the muscles and improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
- Chiropractic care adjusts the spine and joints and relieves pressure on the nerves.
- Biofeedback to monitor and control the body’s physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, or brain waves.
- Hypnotherapy is to access the subconscious mind and change negative thoughts or beliefs that may affect the symptoms.
- Herbal remedies or supplements such as ginseng, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, melatonin, or omega-3 fatty acids enhance energy, immunity, metabolism, or sleep.
Complications
CFS can have a significant impact on the physical, mental, and social well-being of patients. Some possible complications of CFS include
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems
- Isolation, loneliness, or loss of social support
- Reduced work productivity, income, or career opportunities
- Impaired academic performance, education, or learning
- Increased risk of infections, autoimmune diseases, or cardiovascular diseases
- Reduced life expectancy
Prevention
There is no known way to prevent CFS, but some possible strategies to reduce the risk of developing or worsening the condition include
- Avoiding or treating infections that may trigger CFS
- Boosting the immune system by eating a healthy diet, exercising moderately, getting enough sleep, and managing stress
- Seeking medical attention promptly if experiencing persistent or severe fatigue or other symptoms
- Following the treatment plan recommended by the healthcare provider and reporting any changes or concerns
- Educating oneself and others about CFS and its challenges
References
(1) Queensland scientists push for new national treatment guidelines for chronic fatigue syndrome.
(2) Griffith University experts head to Canberra to make a case for thousands with ME/CFS.
(3) Harvard Health Publishing Q&A: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
(4) Queensland scientists push for new national treatment guidelines for ….