Raphe nucleus encephalopathy (myalgic encephalomyelitis, epidemic neuromyasthenia)

An injury to the dorsal raphe nucleus by Coxsackie B viruses is suggested as the cause of the disease sometimes called myalgic encephalomyelitis. The signs and symptoms are consistent with a serotonin deficiency in the dorsal raphe nucleus and the disease has a predisposition for women in nursing. Stress and underlying tryptophan deficiencies are considered as contributory factors.