Prolongation of Central Motor Conduction Time in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Wc compared the central motor conduction time (CMCT) obtained by magnetic stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS) of 181 patients who fulfilled the criteria (see Fukuda 1994) for CFS with those of 27 healthy control subjects. A cortical and a cervical stimulation was performed on each person under standardised conditions, and the motor evoked potentials (MEP) either from Musculus Abductor Pollicis Brevis (M. APB) or from Musculus Abductor Digiti Minimi (M. ADM) was recorded.For the CFS patients a significant prolongation of the central motor conduction time (M. APB right: p < 0.0001; M. A DP left: p < 0.00005; M. ADM right: p < 0.00005; M. ADM left: p < 0.005) was observed compared to controls. The results presented in this study suggest a central nervous system dysfunction in CFS.