Chronic fatigue syndrome: what role does the autonomic nervous system play in the pathophysiology of this complex illness?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a serious health concern affecting over 800000 Americans of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups and both genders. The etiology and pathophysiology of CFS are unknown, yet studies have suggested an involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). A symposium was organized in December 2000 to explore the possibility of an association between ANS dysfunction and CFS, with special emphasis on the interactions between ANS dysfunction and other abnormalities noted in the immune and endocrine systems of individuals with CFS. This paper represents the consensus of the panel of experts who participated in this meeting.
Gerrity
Timothy R
TR
Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Bates
Janet
J
Bell
David S
DS
Chrousos
George
G
Furst
Gloria
G
Hedrick
Terry
T
Hurwitz
Barry
B
Kula
Roger W
RW
Levine
Susan M
SM
Moore
Rebecca C
RC
Schondorf
Ronald
R
D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D035843:Biomedical Research; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000503:physiopathology; D012791:Shy-Drager Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology