Chronic fatigue syndrome: what role does the autonomic nervous system play in the pathophysiology of this complex illness?

Timothy R Gerrity; Janet Bates; David S Bell; George Chrousos; Gloria Furst; Terry Hedrick; Barry Hurwitz; Roger W Kula; Susan M Levine; Rebecca C Moore; Ronald Schondorf

doi:10.1159/000067176

Chronic fatigue syndrome: what role does the autonomic nervous system play in the pathophysiology of this complex illness?

Neuroimmunomodulation. 2002;10(3):134-41. doi: 10.1159/000067176.

Authors

Timothy R Gerrity¹, Janet Bates, David S Bell, George Chrousos, Gloria Furst, Terry Hedrick, Barry Hurwitz, Roger W Kula, Susan M Levine, Rebecca C Moore, Ronald Schondorf

Affiliation

¹ Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.

PMID: 12481153
DOI: 10.1159/000067176

Abstract

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.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Autonomic Nervous System / immunology
Autonomic Nervous System / physiopathology*
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / complications*
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology*
Biomedical Research
Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / etiology*
Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / physiopathology*
Humans
Models, Neurological
Neurosecretory Systems / physiopathology
Shy-Drager Syndrome / complications
Shy-Drager Syndrome / physiopathology