Brain Energy in Long COVID and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cerebral Energy Metabolism in ME/CFS with and without PASC
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11126778
This project looks at how the brain uses energy in people with long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome to understand their shared symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126778 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people recovering from COVID-19 experience ongoing fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and brain fog, a condition known as long COVID or PASC. These symptoms are very similar to those seen in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). This project aims to compare brain energy use in people with long COVID who developed ME/CFS-like symptoms after infection, with those who have ME/CFS from other causes. Researchers will use non-invasive brain imaging techniques to see if there are similar changes in how the brain uses oxygen and other energy sources. Understanding these similarities could help us find better ways to treat both conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS, particularly those whose symptoms began after a sudden flu-like illness, including those with long COVID (PASC).
Not a fit: Patients without symptoms of ME/CFS or long COVID, or those whose conditions are not related to brain energy metabolism, may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal shared biological mechanisms between long COVID and ME/CFS, leading to new diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for both conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Limited previous studies have suggested changes in brain blood flow and lactate levels in ME/CFS, and preliminary results from this team show elevated oxygen extraction in PASC ME/CFS patients, indicating some prior evidence for this line of inquiry.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: XU, XIANG — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: XU, XIANG
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.