Date: December 8, 2011
URL: http://www.healthcanal.com/disorders-conditions/24325-University-researchers-launch-groundbreaking-new-study-into-symptoms-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html
University researchers launch groundbreaking new study into
symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
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Participants needed to take part in study, the first to look in-depth
at vision problems caused by the disorder
Researchers from the University of Leicester have launched a new study
into vision problems suffered by patients with Myalgic Encephalopathy
(ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). People who suffer from ME/CFS
typically experience a range of symptoms which may include extreme
tiredness, painful joints, headaches and digestive problems.
The team from the University of Leicester's School of Psychology is
undertaking the first study to look in-depth at visual issues in
ME/CFS patients. The researchers hope that collecting medical evidence
of such symptoms could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS.
There is little consensus on the cause of ME/CFS or on how to treat
patients with the condition. Although vision problems are widely
reported by ME/CFS sufferers, research in this area is scarce and
little formal evidence of such issues has been documented. The
researchers are actively looking to recruit participants to take part
in the study.
Steve Badham, who is running the study, said: "This project provides
us with an excellent opportunity to study the link between vision and
ME/CFS. Understanding this relationship will allow us to better
differentiate between ME/CFS and other conditions, and to learn more
about the symptoms that patients are suffering from."
The University of Leicester team hopes to investigate a range of basic
visual problems commonly reported by ME/CFS sufferers, such as
hypersensitivity to light and difficulties focussing on and tracking
objects.
ME/CFS affects around 250,000 people in the UK alone. The main symptom
is persistent fatigue and tiredness that doesn't go away with rest and
has no obvious cause. Sufferers may also experience other symptoms and
can find themselves unable to work or take part in activities.
Gathering hard evidence of the symptoms and effects of ME/CFS can aid
in treatment and diagnosis and help raise the profile of this
debilitating illness. The diagnosis of ME/CFS has been a controversial
one for many years, because the cause of the condition is currently
unknown. Suggested treatments for ME/CFS include psychological
interventions such as behavioural therapy, and medication such as
painkillers and low dose antidepressants. There is no known cure for
ME/CFS.
The researchers are looking for anyone with a medical diagnosis of ME
or CFS to get in touch if they wish to help out with the study.
Participants will take part in the study at the University, involving
visual tests and tasks on a computer. You can contact Steve Badham by
email (sb569@le.ac.uk) or telephone (0116 229 7081) for more
information about volunteering. Even if you don?t think you suffer
from a vision problem, you may still be eligible to take part.
***END***
Notes for editors: For more information, please contact Steve Badham
on 0116 229 7081 or on sb569@le.ac.uk
Information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome on the NHS website:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Chronic-fatigue-syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Further details of the study are available on the Pro Health website:
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=16666
ME Research UK and the Irish ME Trust are funding the study. Website
of ME Research UK:
http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=16666
Website of Irish ME Trust: http://www.imet.ie
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(c) 2011 University of Leicester
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