Scientists scan brains to unravel why effort hurts in chronic fatigue

NCT ID NCT06472622

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study uses functional MRI to see how the brain processes unpleasant sensations like pain and physical effort in people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) compared to healthy volunteers. Researchers will apply mild heat and ask participants to squeeze a bar while scanning their brains. The goal is to identify which brain regions are linked to the feeling of unpleasantness, which may help explain symptoms of ME/CFS.

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 help explain why people with ME/CFS find pain and effort more unpleasant, potentially guiding future treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (47 people) focused on measuring brain activity, not testing a treatment. It may not lead to direct benefits for 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 Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

FATIGUE SYNDROME, CHRONIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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