Understanding the Overlap Between Two Life-Altering Conditions
Millions of people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) or Long COVIDsuffer from debilitating symptoms that often go unrecognised or misunderstood. But new research is helping to change that.
In recent years, several groundbreaking studies have uncovered biological evidence that supports what many patients have long known: ME/CFS and Long COVID share profound similarities — not just in how they feel, but in how they affect the brain.
What the Latest Brain Imaging Study Revealed
In 2023, researchers at Griffith University used the world’s strongest MRI scanner (7 Tesla) to examine brain structure in patients with ME/CFS and Long COVID. The results were striking:
🧠 Key Findings:
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Enlarged Brainstem: Both ME/CFS and Long COVID patients showed increased brainstem volume, especially in the pons and superior cerebellar peduncle.
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Symptom Correlation:
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Pain severity was linked to increased brainstem volume.
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Breathing difficulties were associated with changes in the midbrain.
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These changes may explain symptoms like:
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Cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”)
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Autonomic nervous system dysregulation
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Breathing issues
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Sleep problems
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Fatigue and sensory overload
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🔗 Read the Griffith University article
🔬 Access the full MRI brainstem study
More Than Just Brain Structure — What Symptom Studies Are Showing
In a separate 2021 review published in Infectious Diseases of Poverty, researchers analysed the growing number of Long COVID cases and their striking similarity to ME/CFS.
📋 Highlights from the 2021 study:
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Overlapping symptoms: Fatigue, post-exertional malaise, memory issues, orthostatic intolerance, and unrefreshing sleep were common to both conditions.
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Shared biological mechanisms were proposed, including:
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Neuroinflammation
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Immune system dysregulation
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Mitochondrial dysfunction
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The paper called for urgent investment in long-term studies to help define how post-viral syndromes evolve — and how they may be treated.
What This Means for People with ME/CFS and Long COVID
As someone living with severe ME, I can tell you these studies offer more than just science — they offer hope.
For years, people like me have fought to be heard, understood, and taken seriously. And while it’s heartbreaking that it took a global pandemic to shift public awareness, we’re finally beginning to see movement in research, media, and policy.
“No family should have to see the things our families see. No person should have to disappear into this illness without answers.”
Let 2023 be the start of real change — not just in medical journals, but in how we support and treat people with these conditions.
How You Can Help
💬 Raise Awareness
Share this post. Talk about the science. Use your voice.
📚 Support Research
Donate to charities funding ME/CFS and Long COVID research, or lobby your MP for increased investment.
🩺 Talk to Your Doctor
If you or someone you love is experiencing persistent post-viral symptoms, ask about the possibility of ME/CFS.
