Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue at the National Institutes of Health

Background: Post-Infectious Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (PI-ME/CFS) refers to long-lasting and disabling fatigue or malaise, inability to recover after exercise, and physical and emotional discomfort that may occur after a person has an infection. Researchers want to learn more about its causes. Objective: To learn more about PI-ME/CFS. Eligibility: Adults ages 18-60 years who have finished at least 7th grade education and either: have ME/CFS that started after an infection OR had Lyme disease, were treated, and returned to normal health OR are healthy volunteers Design: Participants will initially have a 2-5 day inpatient visit at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda. During the visit, participants will have: Medical history Physical exam Intravenous (IV) line. A thin plastic tube is inserted into a vein. Blood and urine collected Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Participants will lie in a machine that takes pictures of their brain. They may get a dye through their IV. Grip strength tested Saliva, cheek swab, and stool collected Tilt table test with measures of body functions such as sweating and breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate and blood and urine sample collection Collection of blood cells. Participants can choose to have the blood drawn through the IV or through a machine that filters blood cells and returns the liquid blood back into the participant s vein. Lumbar puncture. Fluid will be removed by placement of a needle between the back bones. Heart monitoring Sleep study for participants with PI ME/CFS Questions about the participant s life and how they are feeling Questions from a neuropsychologist Questions from an occupational therapist for participants with PI ME/CFS Questinos from a nutritionist After the initial visit participants will return home. Participants evaluated for PI-ME/CFS during the first visit will have their information reviewed by an adjudication panel of