Brain leak clue to chronic fatigue and long COVID brain fog?

NCT ID NCT07256795

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This Johns Hopkins study looks at whether a leaky blood-brain barrier and immune changes contribute to cognitive problems in people with ME/CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), both those who got sick before the pandemic and those who developed it after COVID-19. Researchers will use brain scans and blood tests in 200 adults aged 18-70. The goal is to better understand the biology behind brain fog and memory issues in these conditions.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this study could reveal why many people with ME/CFS or long COVID experience brain fog and memory problems, pointing toward new ways to diagnose or treat these cognitive issues.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It aims to understand the disease, not test a therapy. Results may not lead directly to new treatments, and findings might not apply to all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

myalgic encephalomeyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Baltimore, Maryland, 21297, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.