Episode 5: The Truth About Neuroplasticity in ME/CFS and Long COVID: Hype, Hope or Healing? with guest Patrick Ussher

Can brain retraining really help with ME/CFS and long COVID, or is it just overhyped pseudoscience?
In this essential conversation, Dr. Eleanor Stein and Patrick Ussher—author of the newly released
Understanding ME/CFS & Strategies for Healing (https://books2read.com/u/bOk9J0)—cut through the noise to offer a balanced, research-backed perspective on the promises and limitations of neuroplasticity in recovery from complex chronic illnesses.

You’ll learn
● Why ME/CFS is not just a hypersensitive nervous system, but a complex multi-system illness involving factors like autoimmunity, low blood volume, and dysautonomia.
● The top 5 mistakes in the typical neuroplasticity narrative—and how to avoid them.
● Why neuroplasticity shouldn’t be dismissed as unscientific and how it could play a supporting role in recovery, just as it does in post-stroke care.
● How to implement practical neuroplasticity tools like positive visualization, inner conversation techniques, and oral rehydration solutions to support the autonomic nervous system.
● What the latest brain imaging research reveals about ME/CFS and why it matters for healing strategies.  

(00:00:00) Understanding ME/CFS and Neuroplasticity 
(00:06:10) Challenges of Living with ME/CFS  
(00:12:40) Understanding Central vs. Peripheral Fatigue  
(00:18:38) Understanding Post-Exertional Malaise and Muscle Regeneration 
(00:24:38) Neuroplasticity: Cause and Solution  
(00:30:49) Understanding Blood Volume and ME/CFS 
(00:37:14) Understanding the Biopsychosocial Model 
(00:43:25) Launching a Groundbreaking Study on Neuroplasticity  
(00:49:24) Engaging Brain Retraining Strategies  
(00:55:16) Conclusion and Future Resources from Dr. Eleanor Stein   

Enjoy this exclusive bonus excerpt from Patrick Ussher’s latest book, Understanding ME/CFS & Strategies for Healing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xo0hIuLu5QcvzFFHKrqQX9DytaSN0kOV/view
Link to the integration paper by Klaus Wirth and Carmen Scheibenbogen https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568997220300823?via%3Dihub

We are excited to share the latest blog post from our guest, an insightful piece of information. 
Read it here: https://www.eleanorsteinmd.ca/blog/Mitodicure

Patrick's Bio
Patrick Ussher has lived with ME/CFS for seven years and is the creator of the YouTube channel @me-cfs-strategiesforhealing, where he shares accessible research and recovery strategies. He has published on ME/CFS thirst mechanisms, writes for HealthRising, and gives talks to patient groups such as The Irish ME Trust. Patrick is also an author, classical scholar, and composer.

You can find Patrick at the following: 
www.patrickussher.com
https://www.youtube.com/@me-cfs-strategiesforhealing
https://www.facebook.com/understandingmecfs
https://twitter.com/patrick_ussher
http://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-ussher-b441201b3
  

Welcome to my podcast!
I am a retired medical doctor and psychiatrist specializing in chronic complex diseases. With over 33 years of experience, I have worked with thousands of patients, integrating both conventional and integrative approaches to enhance health and function. Since retiring from medical practice at the end of 2022, my passion is to help others find healing by sharing science-based, no-to-low-cost health strategies.

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