Chronic Fatigue & Long COVID
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Chronic Fatigue (ME)
Severe, persistent fatigue
Muscle and joint pain
Cognitive difficulties
Chronic fatigue, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a condition characterized by extreme, long-lasting fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. It significantly affects daily life and may include symptoms like muscle pain, headaches, and cognitive issues. The exact cause is unknown, making diagnosis challenging. Managing chronic fatigue involves understanding and addressing symptoms to improve quality of life. Recognizing and validating the condition is crucial for those affected, helping them seek appropriate support and strategies.
Long COVID
Persistent fatigue
Breathlessness
Cognitive difficulties
Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to symptoms persisting weeks or months after recovering from the initial Covid-19 infection. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive issues like “brain fog.” These symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life and may vary in severity. The exact causes of Long COVID are still under research, but it affects a notable proportion of those who have recovered from COVID-19, necessitating comprehensive management and support strategies to improve quality of life for affected individuals.
What is Autonomic Dysregulation?
The autonomic nervous system manages nearly all involuntary functions and processes in the body, like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, energy production, digestion, and metabolism. These functions occur without conscious effort.
This system is divided into two main parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which act as control mechanisms with opposing effects. In a healthy routine, there is a balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activities. This balance allows for a cycle of stress and effort followed by relaxation and rest. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to serious issues, such as orthostatic intolerance, where an individual cannot stand for extended periods without adverse
For individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) or Long COVID, standing still can trigger symptoms like dizziness, altered vision, nausea, and fatigue. It has been suggested that a thorough evaluation of autonomic function could help identify a specific subset of patients or even serve as a diagnostic tool if the underlying mechanisms are better understood.
These fatigue symptoms may be linked to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, where sympathetic activity dominates. Prolonged stress, anxiety, or tension can disrupt the body’s balance, putting it into a constant “fight or flight” mode. This increases blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate, keeping the body and brain in a heightened state of readiness, which consumes a lot of energy and prevents recovery.
In a study conducted by Dr Julia Newton from the School of Clinical Medical Sciences at the University of Newcastle, researchers found a significant connection between ME/CFS and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Autonomic dysfunction was present in three-quarters of the patients studied.
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