The neuroinflammatory hypothesis of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: an update
Jarred W. Younger, Linda Yan, Sean Mackey · Journal of Neuroinflammation · 2014 · DOI
Quick Summary
Using thermography and brain temperature imaging at Stanford, this study found evidence consistent with neuroinflammation — specifically elevated brain temperature — in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls. Brain regions associated with pain and fatigue showed the strongest signal.
Why It Matters
This study provided early evidence for neuroinflammation as a biological feature of ME/CFS, independent of psychiatric explanations. It supported PET imaging studies finding similar signals in brain regions linked to fatigue.
What This Study Does Not Prove
Brain temperature is an indirect measure of neuroinflammation. This small study cannot confirm the presence, extent, or clinical significance of brain inflammation in ME/CFS.
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Metadata
- DOI
- 10.1186/s12974-014-0111-6
- Sample size
- 18 patients
- Control group
- Yes
- Review status
- Editor reviewed
- Evidence level
- Single-study or moderate support from human research
- Last updated
- 7 April 2026