All of the information concerning Myalgic Encephalomyelitis on this website is fully referenced and has been compiled using the highest quality resources available, produced by the world's leading M.E. experts.

More experienced and more knowledgeable M.E. experts than these – Dr Byron Hyde MD. and Dr. Elizabeth Dowsett MD. in particular – do not exist.

Between Dr Byron Hyde MD. and Dr. Elizabeth Dowsett MD. – and their mentors the late Dr John Richardson MD. and Dr Melvin Ramsay MD. (respectively) – these four doctors have been involved with M.E. research and M.E. patients for well over 100 years, collectively; from the 1950s to the current day. Between them they have examined more than 14 000 individual (sporadic and epidemic) M.E. patients, as well as each authoring numerous studies and articles on M.E., and books on M.E.

Again; more experienced, more knowledgeable and more credible M.E. experts than these simply do not exist.

The papers on this site merely provide a brief summary of some of the most important facts of M.E. They have been created – by a well-read layperson – purely for the benefit of those individuals without the time, inclination or ability to read each of the large number of far more complex and lengthy source papers. A full list of references is given at the end of each paper however, and these original references are very highly recommended as essential additional reading for any physician (or anyone else) with a real interest in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

That M.E. is an infectious neurological disease which occurs in epidemic and sporadic forms, and which can be extremely disabling or even fatal is not simply theory, but is based upon an enormous body of mutually supportive research and clinical information. Confirmation of this hypothesis is supported by electrical tests of muscle and of brain function (including the subsequent development of PET and SPECT scans) and by biochemical and hormonal assays. Newer scientific evidence is increasingly strengthening this hypothesis. Thus M.E. is not 'medically unexplained; that is a complete myth. If all tests are normal, then a person does not have M.E.

A sample reference list is included below. These papers are highly recommended additional reading.

Jodi Bassett, 2007

Note that this is not a full website reference list.

1. Bagnall, Gurli 2006, Civilization: Another word for barbarism [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wbagnallcivilization.htm
2. Bagnall, Gurli 2004, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A slender string to our bow [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wbagnallmasstob.htm
3. Bassett, Jodi 2007, The Ultra-Comprehensive Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Symptom List [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/themesymptomlist.htm
4. Bastien, Sheila PhD. 1992, Patterns of Neuropsychological Abnormalities and Cognitive Impairment in Adults and Children in Hyde, Byron M.D. (ed) 1992, The Clinical and Scientific Basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / CFS, Nightingale Research Foundation, Ottawa
5. Bell, David S MD 1995, The Doctor's Guide to CFIDS, Perseus Books, Massachusetts
6. Carruthers, Bruce M. et al 2003, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Clinical Working Case Definition, Haworth Medical Press, New York
7. Chabursky, Borys. Hyde, Byron M.D. & Anil Jain M.D. 1992, A Description of Patients who Present with a Presumed Diagnosis of M.E. in Hyde, Byron M.D. (ed) 1992, The Clinical and Scientific Basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / CFS, Nightingale Research Foundation, Ottawa, pp. 19-24
8. Cheney, Paul M.D. 2006, The Heart of the Matter [video recording], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wcheney.htm
9. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. 2002a, The impact of persistent enteroviral infection, [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
10. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. 2002b, MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL DRAFT DOCUMENT FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION, [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
11. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. 2001a, THE LATE EFFECTS OF ME Can they be distinguished from the Post-polio syndrome? [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
12. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. 2001b, A rose by any other name [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
13. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. 2000, Mobility problems in ME [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
14. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. 1999a, Redefinitions of ME [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
15. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. 1999b, Research into ME 1988 - 1998 Too much PHILOSOPHY and too little BASIC CIENCE!, [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
16. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. 1998, Can Hysteria be diagnosed with confidence ? - Conflicts in British Research, [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
17. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. n.d. a, Differences between ME and CFS, [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
18. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. n.d. b, Time to put the exercise cure to rest, [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
19. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. n.d. c, Is Stress more than a modern buzz word?, [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
20. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. n.d. d, Brain problems in ME – is there a simple explanation?, [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wdowsett.htm
21. Dowsett, Elizabeth MBChB. in: Colby, Jane 1996, ME: The New Plague, Ipswitch Book Company, Ipswitch.
22. Dowsett E. & Ramsay, A.M. n.d., ‘Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Then and Now' The Clinical and Scientific Basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / CFS, B. Hyde (ed.), The Nightingale Foundation, Ottawa, pp. 81-84.
23. Dowsett E., Ramsay A.M., McCartney A.R., & Bell E.J. 1990, ‘Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A persistent Enteroviral Infection?' in The Clinical and Scientific Basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / CFS, B. Hyde (ed.), The Nightingale Foundation, Ottawa, pp. 285-291.
24. Dunn, Linda (in consultation with the Cross Party Group on ME) 2005, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. The impact on sufferers: is health policy in Scotland on the right path? [Online], Available: Click here.
25. Hooper, M 2006, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME): a review with emphasis on key findings in biomedical research J. Clin. Pathol. published online 25 Aug 2006; doi:10.1136/jcp.2006.042408 Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/whooper.htm
26. Hooper, M. & Marshall E.P. 2005a, Illustrations of Clinical Observations and International Research Findings from 1955 to 2005 that demonstrate the organic aetiology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillhoopgibsonenqui.htm [Note: This paper is 174 pages in length]
27. Hooper, M. & Marshall E.P. 2005b, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Why no accountability? [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillmewna.htm
28. Hooper, M. 2003a, The MENTAL HEALTH MOVEMENT: PERSECUTION OF PATIENTS? A CONSIDERATION OF THE ROLE OF PROFESSOR SIMON WESSELY AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE "WESSELY SCHOOL" IN THE PERCEPTION OF MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS (ME) IN THE UK [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/whooper.htm
29. Hooper, M 2003b, Engaging with M.E.: Towards Understanding, Diagnosis and Treatment, University of Sunderland, UK
30. Hooper, M. & Montague S 2001a, Concerns about the forthcoming UK Chief medical officer’s report on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) notably the intention to advise clinicians that only limited investigations are necessary (The Montague/Hooper paper) [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/whooper.htm
31. Hooper, M. & Montague S 2001b, Concepts of accountability [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/whooper.htm
32. Hooper, M. Marshall E.P. & Williams, M. 2001, What is ME? What is CFS? Information for Clinicians and Lawyers, [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillhoopwimewicfs.htm
33. Hooper, M. n.d., The Terminology of ME and CFS [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/whooper.htm
34. Hyde, Byron M.D. 2007, The Nightingale Definition of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/whydepapers.htm#121947255
35. Hyde, Byron M.D. 2006, A New and Simple Definition of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and a New Simple Definition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & A Brief History of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis & An Irreverent History of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/whydepapers.htm#121947643
36. Hyde, Byron M.D. 2003, The Complexities of Diagnosis in (ed) Jason, Leonard at et al. 2003 Handbook of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Ross Wiley and Sons, USA. Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/whydepapers.htm#121947808
37. Hyde, Byron M.D. 1998, Are Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and CFS Synonymous Terms? [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/whydesynonymousterms.htm
38. Hyde, Byron M.D. 1992, Preface in Hyde, Byron M.D. (ed) 1992, The Clinical and Scientific Basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / CFS, Nightingale Research Foundation, Ottawa.
39. Hyde, Byron M.D. & Anil Jain M.D. 1992, Clinical Observations of Central Nervous System Dysfunction in Post Infectious, Acute Onset M.E. in Hyde, Byron M.D. (ed) 1992, The Clinical and Scientific Basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / CFS, Nightingale Research Foundation, Ottawa, pp. 38-65.
40. Hyde, Byron M.D. & Anil Jain M.D. 1992a, Cardiac and Cardiovascular aspects of M.E.: A Review in Hyde, Byron M.D. (ed) 1992, The Clinical and Scientific Basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / CFS, Nightingale Research Foundation, Ottawa, pp. 375-383.
41. Hyde, Byron M.D., Bastien S Ph.D. & Anil Jain M.D. 1992, General Information, Post Infectious, Acute Onset M.E. / CFS in Hyde, Byron M.D. (ed) 1992, The Clinical and Scientific Basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / CFS, Nightingale Research Foundation, Ottawa, pp. 25-37.
42. Johnson, Hillary 1996, Osler’s Web, Crown Publishers, New York
43. Jones, Doris M. MSc. 1998, SOME FACTS AND FIGURES ON CBT, GET AND OTHER APPROACHES Directly from the 'Horses' Mouths [Online]. Available: (link in title)
44. Mar, Countess of. 2004, House of Lords Debate [Online], Available: (link in title)
45. Marshall, Eileen & Williams, Margaret. 2006a, Some of the abnormalities that have been demonstrated in ME/CFS [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillsotathbdime.htm
46. Marshall, Eileen & Williams, Margaret. 2006b, Inquest implications [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillinquest.htm
47. Marshall, Eileen & Williams, Margaret. 2006c, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis exists: True or false? [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillmeexists.htm
48. Marshall, Eileen & Williams, Margaret. 2005a, Problems and solutions? [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillpas.htm
49. Marshall, Eileen & Williams, Margaret. 2005b, Proof positive? Evidence of the deliberate creation via social constructionism of "psychosocial" illness by cult indoctrination of State agencies, and the impact of this on social and welfare policy [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillpp.htm
50. Marshall, Eileen & Williams, Margaret. 2005c, To set the record straight about Ean Proctor from the Isle of Man [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwilltstrsaep.htm
51. Marshall, Eileen & Williams, Margaret. 2005d, Profits before Patients? [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillpbp.htm
52. Marshall, Eileen & Williams, Margaret. 2004a, A note on the term Myalgic Encephalomyelitis [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillnottme.htm
53. Marshall, Eileen & Williams, Margaret. 2004b, Transparency in government [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwilltig.htm
54. McLaughlin, Jill, 2004, "Information on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)" [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wfauthors.htm
55. Michell, Lynn 2003, Shattered: Life with ME, Thorsons Publishers, London
56. Munson, Peggy (ed) 2000, Stricken; Voices from the Hidden Epidemic of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, The Haworth Press, New York
57. Ramsay, A. 1988, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Postviral Fatigue States: The saga of Royal Free Disease, Gower Medical Publishing, London.
58. Ramsay, Melvin A. 1989, ME Association Newsletter, Winter 1989: pp. 20-21.
59. Ramsay, Melvin A. n.d., The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis syndrome [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wramsay.htm
60. Ramsay, Melvin A. 1986, MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS : A Baffling Syndrome With a Tragic Aftermath. [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wramsay.htm
61. Richardson, J. 1999, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Guidelines for doctors [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wrichardson.htm
62. Richardson, J. n.d., ‘M.E., The Epidemiological and Clinical Observations of a Rural Practitioner,’ The Clinical and Scientific Basis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / CFS, Hyde, Byron M.D. (ed) The Nightingale Foundation, Ottawa, pp. 85-94.
63. Ryll, Erich D. 1994, INFECTIOUS VENULITIS, CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME, MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS, [Online], Available: http://www.geocities.com/tcjrme/recommend23.html
64. San Diego Chronic Diseases, [Online], Available: http://www.sandiegocd.org/index.html
65. Short, Kevin 2005, ME/CFS Politics in a Nutshell (UK), [Online] Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmauthors.htm
66. The Committee for Justice and Recognition of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis 2007, [Online], Available: http://www.geocities.com/tcjrme/
67. The 25% M.E. Group. 2004, SEVERELY AFFECTED ME (MYALGIC ENCEPHALOMYELITIS) ANALYSIS REPORT ON QUESTIONNAIRE [Online]. Available: (link in title)
68. The ME Society of America website 2007, [Online], Available: http://www.cfids-cab.org/MESA/framework.html
69. Verillo, Erica F & Gellman, Lauren M 1997, CFIDS - A Treatment Guide, St. Martin's Griffin, New York
70. Walker, Martin J. 2003, SKEWED: Psychiatric Hegemony and the Manufacture of Mental Illness in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Gulf War Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Slingshot Publications, London.
71. Williams, Margaret 2004, Critical considerations, [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillcc.htm
72. Williams, Margaret 2003, Quotations from "SOMATIC MEDICINE ABUSES PSYCHIATRY - AND NEGLECTS CAUSAL RESEARCH" by Per Dalen [Online], Available: http://www.ahummingbirdsguide.com/wmarwillmwrqf.htm
73. Quintero, Sezar 2002, Sophisticated Investigation, or How to Disguise a Disease, [Online], Available: http://www.geocities.com/sezar99q/