Our brain is a complex organ intrinsically linked to our understanding of self, who and what we are.
If it goes out of kilter or changes for any reason, disease, genetics, hormones etc, it can be very debilitating and irrational. How then can we understand what is wrong with us, is it mental or physical or a mixture of both ?
As Garner says, what worked for him does not imply that it would work for anyone else, but he illustrates how the brain can sometimes be tricked or rewired back into sync with our sense of self.
Hi, I have signed up to your newsletter for a while and have now subscribed so I can comment here.
First of all, it is of course completely unacceptable that Professor Garner has received death threats and other intimidating messages. I am sorry that he's had to experience this, as well as the debilitating long-term symptoms of a Covid infection.
I am, however, deeply saddened by the presentation of M.E. and Long Covid in this article as someone who has experience of both in my family. The article generously quotes Garner's theory - which is, essentially, that the prolonged illness after infection is not real (to quote: "In the case of long Covid, for example, the initial illness is real but the brain then becomes trapped in a perpetual cycle, misinterpreting signals, in a sense tricking itself that the illness is still present.") with very little reference to the wider context of the history of M.E., biomedical research for both M.E. and Long Covid, leading charities representing both conditions or, most strikingly, the voice of other sufferers.
Whilst the letter responding to the controversial article in the New Republic that 'piqued' the writer's interest is linked to, there is no engagement with the clear and heavily evidenced arguments against classing Long Covid and M.E. as Functional Neurological Disorders.
At best this is misleading, and at worst it is in direct opposition to the current NICE guidelines for M.E , which clearly state that physical activity should be carefully managed and that "there is no therapy based on physical activity or exercise that is effective as a cure for ME/CFS." (1.11-). The 2022 APPG report 'Rethinking M.E', commissioned by former health secretary Sajid Javid, "reinforces the guideline statements that ME is a physiological disease and people with ME should be listened to and respected."
I think, unfortunately, this article only adds to polemic around very real illness that is desperately in need of biomedical research. I am very aware of the immense suffering caused by both Long Covid and M.E., and you do neither of the diseases justice here. Please consider a more in-depth look at the research and those many, many lives affected.
There's a good book by neurologist Suzanne O'Sullivan about various psychosomatic illnesses and how they're no less real or serious, and the patients are no more likely to be malingerers, than ones that can be treated medically or surgically. I don't understand the resistance to this, there should be no stigma around it - look at the way addiction is treated - but I've seen it a lot.
Two words: "Social media". Cranks have always existed, but social media (and in particular deliberate, malign manipulation of the people on it) has fed them fuel and given them the ability to spread and intensify.
As for "We have fire arms, explosives and all what it takes to take you out".... what on earth do they think the man is made of??... what superpowers do they worry he has become imbued with??
Then again, it's all very well for me to dismiss them as nutjobs. Sat here commenting from under the safety shield of the 5G phone mast on the building opposite me...
It’s always a good idea to remember that CFS is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A syndrome, not a disease. 20 people might each have it, but each have a different cause and a different route to recovery. Vilifying one route is very human behaviour but the wrong sort of human behaviour.
If I ever fall prey, I will try not to criticise anyone who recovers, but concentrate on my own efforts.
Another fascinating piece, thanks. I had not come across Paul Garner’s story before, but I’m very sad to say that nothing about it shocks me. Covid and (I think perhaps more pertinently) the lockdowns really messed us up, didn’t they? I’m sure there has to be a reckoning for the collective trauma we seem to be suffering, but how do we get there?
I can also understand how and why ME sufferers might feel unheard, but death threats are clearly and always inexcusable. We all need to take a deep breath, put ourselves in our people’s shoes and approach each other with open minds and warm hearts. Easy to say, hard to do, but worth trying.
Thanks for another thought-provoking article. This is something that needs further discussion of course. But I think the article raises significant issues - one issue is how we can take control of our illnesses by tackling them differently (rather than seeking a medicating route) WE do need to take control of our own bodies though, don't we? ....from what we put into our mouths, what we do each day and how we think about thinking!) and this is something that creates a massive backlash by the sufferers who may feel utterly wretched but also the medical profession who seem intent on opposing a more holistic view to illness. Another issue is how presenting a critique of conventions can also create a more general but vicious backlash ( and here that backlash is death-threats!) The latter I think is symptomatic of the reach of "social media" and fear of thinking differently....maybe.
I suffer from nausea through taking prescribed medications and I am constantly fascinated by the fight between different parts of my brain that (a) wants to be sick and (b) can stay in control. Ultimately all brain activity is localised patterns of excitation and inhibition like this. It is entirely conceivable that an infection can perturb them. I know its a delicate balance. I have to generate thoughts of fresh air, fresh food and water to stop my body wretching. Sometimes it is not so simple.
Interesting article, thank you Jack.
Our brain is a complex organ intrinsically linked to our understanding of self, who and what we are.
If it goes out of kilter or changes for any reason, disease, genetics, hormones etc, it can be very debilitating and irrational. How then can we understand what is wrong with us, is it mental or physical or a mixture of both ?
As Garner says, what worked for him does not imply that it would work for anyone else, but he illustrates how the brain can sometimes be tricked or rewired back into sync with our sense of self.
Hi, I have signed up to your newsletter for a while and have now subscribed so I can comment here.
First of all, it is of course completely unacceptable that Professor Garner has received death threats and other intimidating messages. I am sorry that he's had to experience this, as well as the debilitating long-term symptoms of a Covid infection.
I am, however, deeply saddened by the presentation of M.E. and Long Covid in this article as someone who has experience of both in my family. The article generously quotes Garner's theory - which is, essentially, that the prolonged illness after infection is not real (to quote: "In the case of long Covid, for example, the initial illness is real but the brain then becomes trapped in a perpetual cycle, misinterpreting signals, in a sense tricking itself that the illness is still present.") with very little reference to the wider context of the history of M.E., biomedical research for both M.E. and Long Covid, leading charities representing both conditions or, most strikingly, the voice of other sufferers.
Whilst the letter responding to the controversial article in the New Republic that 'piqued' the writer's interest is linked to, there is no engagement with the clear and heavily evidenced arguments against classing Long Covid and M.E. as Functional Neurological Disorders.
At best this is misleading, and at worst it is in direct opposition to the current NICE guidelines for M.E , which clearly state that physical activity should be carefully managed and that "there is no therapy based on physical activity or exercise that is effective as a cure for ME/CFS." (1.11-). The 2022 APPG report 'Rethinking M.E', commissioned by former health secretary Sajid Javid, "reinforces the guideline statements that ME is a physiological disease and people with ME should be listened to and respected."
I think, unfortunately, this article only adds to polemic around very real illness that is desperately in need of biomedical research. I am very aware of the immense suffering caused by both Long Covid and M.E., and you do neither of the diseases justice here. Please consider a more in-depth look at the research and those many, many lives affected.
There's a good book by neurologist Suzanne O'Sullivan about various psychosomatic illnesses and how they're no less real or serious, and the patients are no more likely to be malingerers, than ones that can be treated medically or surgically. I don't understand the resistance to this, there should be no stigma around it - look at the way addiction is treated - but I've seen it a lot.
Two words: "Social media". Cranks have always existed, but social media (and in particular deliberate, malign manipulation of the people on it) has fed them fuel and given them the ability to spread and intensify.
As for "We have fire arms, explosives and all what it takes to take you out".... what on earth do they think the man is made of??... what superpowers do they worry he has become imbued with??
Then again, it's all very well for me to dismiss them as nutjobs. Sat here commenting from under the safety shield of the 5G phone mast on the building opposite me...
Thanks for another great piece, Jack.
It’s always a good idea to remember that CFS is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. A syndrome, not a disease. 20 people might each have it, but each have a different cause and a different route to recovery. Vilifying one route is very human behaviour but the wrong sort of human behaviour.
If I ever fall prey, I will try not to criticise anyone who recovers, but concentrate on my own efforts.
Another fascinating piece, thanks. I had not come across Paul Garner’s story before, but I’m very sad to say that nothing about it shocks me. Covid and (I think perhaps more pertinently) the lockdowns really messed us up, didn’t they? I’m sure there has to be a reckoning for the collective trauma we seem to be suffering, but how do we get there?
I can also understand how and why ME sufferers might feel unheard, but death threats are clearly and always inexcusable. We all need to take a deep breath, put ourselves in our people’s shoes and approach each other with open minds and warm hearts. Easy to say, hard to do, but worth trying.
" ut there's a ** PREVELANCE ** of them now (Sorry, only just spotted the typo( :o
Thanks for another thought-provoking article. This is something that needs further discussion of course. But I think the article raises significant issues - one issue is how we can take control of our illnesses by tackling them differently (rather than seeking a medicating route) WE do need to take control of our own bodies though, don't we? ....from what we put into our mouths, what we do each day and how we think about thinking!) and this is something that creates a massive backlash by the sufferers who may feel utterly wretched but also the medical profession who seem intent on opposing a more holistic view to illness. Another issue is how presenting a critique of conventions can also create a more general but vicious backlash ( and here that backlash is death-threats!) The latter I think is symptomatic of the reach of "social media" and fear of thinking differently....maybe.
I suffer from nausea through taking prescribed medications and I am constantly fascinated by the fight between different parts of my brain that (a) wants to be sick and (b) can stay in control. Ultimately all brain activity is localised patterns of excitation and inhibition like this. It is entirely conceivable that an infection can perturb them. I know its a delicate balance. I have to generate thoughts of fresh air, fresh food and water to stop my body wretching. Sometimes it is not so simple.