CENTER FUNDED GRANT: Patients with ME/CFS and Balance Problems

Many patients with ME/CFS have problems maintaining balance.  This new study tests the individual patient for that problem and then applies a treatment — activation of the part that modulates balance via a battery-operated stimulator. The purpose of the study is to determine if this experimental treatment improves balance.  If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact us either via email to info@painandfatigue.com or phone at 212-844-6665.

FEDERALLY FUNDED GRANT:  MRI Imaging to Compare Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Occurring With or Without Prior Covid-19 Infection 

Many COVID-19 survivors remain ill with symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. The symptoms are indicative of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). In this project, we will do magnetic resonance imaging of the brain to compare the images between long-COVID-ME/CFS and classic ME/CFS patients, as well as to individuals not affected by ME/CFS. Participants will be asked to undergo eligibility screening, complete a MRI scan, and answer questionnaires. Participants will be paid $100 upon completing the study. Knowledge learned from this study will deepen our understanding of ME/CFS/long-COVID disease mechanisms, aid in ME/CFS diagnosis, inform treatment decisions, and inspire new treatment targets. If you experience long-COVID or ME/CFS, or are a healthy individual, and are interested in participating in this study, please call 212-844-6665 or sign up at https://forms.gle/1uW36fMfjrFuNATX8

FEDERALLY FUNDED GRANT:  To examine why post activity fatigue, also known as post-exertional malaise (PEM) occurs in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS] and at what level.

Current thinking is two cardiac stress tests a day apart can be used to assess the common ME/CFS complaint of post-exertional malaise.  Our government medical research agency, the NIH, has provided us funds to examine this link.  One reason that exertion may trigger PEM might relate to reductions in blood volume which occur when a person has to rest.  We are asking patients with ME/CFS as well as one healthy friend or relative to consider coming to Mount Sinai for testing.  After we assure that you are either an ME/CFS patient or a healthy comparison person, we will determine your blood volume and then ask you to do two sequential cardiac stress tests.  If your blood volume is reduced, you may get an infusion of saline designed to repair this deficit. Reimbursement for time and travel will be available. If you are interested in possibly participating in this study, please call us at 212-844-6665.