Posted on 03/20/2013 10:36:00 PM PDT by Seizethecarp
University Medical Center (GUMC) researchers for the first time have discovered that veterans who suffer from “Gulf War Illness” have physical changes in their brains that may account for pain from actions as simple as putting on a shirt.
Brain scans of 31 veterans with the illness, compared to 20 control subjects, revealed anomalies in the bundles of axons, also known as nerve fibers, that connect brain areas involved in the processing and perception of pain and fatigue.
The Georgetown findings, published online today in PLOS ONE, could provide insight into the mysterious medical symptoms reported by Gulf War veterans, the researchers say.
Although preliminary, “the changes appear distinct from multiple sclerosis, major depression, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases,” says the study’s lead author, GUMC researcher Rakib Rayhan. “These novel findings are really exciting because they provide validation for many veterans who have long said that no one believes them.”
The GUMC research team used a form of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) called diffusion tensor imaging. This imaging method examines patterns of water diffusion in the brain to look for changes in the integrity of white matter not seen on regular MRI scans.
The results of study must be replicated, say its authors, but for the first time a potential biomarker for Gulf War Illness may be on the horizon, as well as a possible target for therapy.
(Excerpt) Read more at georgetown.edu ...
“The GUMC research team used a form of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) called diffusion tensor imaging.”
This advanced imaging is being used to do studies on ME/CFS and fibromyalgia as well.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2041910/
They’d be smart to look at the results of ingesting diet sodas after they’d been boiled waiting on the tarmac for final distribution
War and war zones are a great testing ground for medical experiments. If they go bad, they simply blame the enemy. How convenient, huh?
Have this mandated Vaccine Pvt. Scooter...just roll up your sleeve.....
They are the same as drinking formaldehyde.
I’ve often wondered if most of the illnesses connected to the Gulf War could have been attributed to the constant inhalation of the smoke from all the oil wells that had been set on fire by the Iraqis
There is nothing wrong with the morphed-Splenda in your brain......(repeat after me....)
One thing about trouble, when you go looking for it, you always find it.
Just ant opportunity to find another victim group to exploit.
I have often wondered about that! We had guys who were sick from drinking all of that free pepsi.
...but but but Colin Powell assured us that there was no such thing....
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