Abstract
The latent tetany syndrome (LTS) parallels CFS in its neuromuscular and psychiatric manifestations, as well as in inner ear disturbances: vestibular in CFS and FM, as well as in LTS, and increased vulnerability to noise-induced deafness in LTS. Microvascular damage to the cochlea is seen in Mg deficiency, noise-induced deafness, and might be a factor in migraine and other severe headaches in both LTS and in CFS and FM. Abnormal sleep patterns occur in both LTS and CFS; impaired cognition more in CFS than in LTS. However, some brain and neurotransmitter dysfunctions seen with Mg deficiency might be contributory to cognitive disorders of CFS. Mg loss caused by enhanced catecholamine release produced by stress may well be contributory to stress-induced acute episodes of CFS. Malfunctions of the cellular and humoral immunological systems are caused by experimental Mg deficiency. Whether allergies in CFS patients and abnormal response to antigenic challenge are results of low Mg remains to be proven. Mitral valve prolapse is seen in many LTS and CFS patients; whether a putative Mg deficiency predisposes to this abnormality is not known. Clinical improvement with Mg treatment has been proven in LTS, and seemed helpful in the rare cases of CFS and FM in whom it has been tried. The Mg status should be determined in patient with CFS and FM, but methodology is a handicap. Serum Mg is an inaccurate index. Three methods show promise. Percentage retention of a Mg load is accurate but requires patient's cooperation. Free ionic Mg measurement requires ion-selective electrodes. Blood cell Mg is reliable in a little more than half the patients; sublingual cell Mg seems more accurate. More intensive, and controlled studies of the Mg status of CFS and FM patients, and of their response to Mg therapy is desirable.