I first became aware of Dr Goldstein's work into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome approximately five years ago and have studied his progress as he set about treating and understanding this perplexing illness.

He is recognised as a leading authority on the condition and attends conferences on the illness and related conditions such as fibromyalgia. Based near Los Angeles, Dr Goldstein has a clinic dealing specifically with CFS/ME and similar disorders.

I then visited his surgery in 1994 after I read his previous medical book 'The Limbic Hypothesis' and discovered a unique treatment for my RSI problem which is a related disorder. He recommended reduced dosages of nitroglycerin and I found that for the first time in nine years I was able to use my arms in a repetitive manner. Normally twenty minutes was my limit before the pain would occur, but now I can draw or paint for three hours non-stop.

I found my life changed and I was able to pursue my hobbies again. I saw Dr Goldstein in 1995 and found that his knowledge had increased dramatically in between visits. While I was really impressed by his limbic book and my initial visit, I felt that his depth of understanding had increased greatly. This made me feel very pleased indeed. During the second visit I saw a photo of a biopsy taken from a CFS/ME patient. It revealed a foam-like virus surrounding the brain.

The work Dr Goldstein does includes treating symptoms stemming from the brain. He has been able to successfully treat many patients using this method and patients remain on these levels while using the medication. He believes the success of his treatment depends upon the cells affected, not the nature of the transmitter itself. This helps explain why the treatment responses are so unique for each individual.

In the first part of the book the author describes Dr Goldstein's treatment techniques and the fact that he has drawn on research findings of his colleagues and his twelve years clinical experience in dealing with CFS/ME. There is a section describing the various structures of the brain and this information is also useful for not only understanding the way the brain functions and responds, but other conditions affected by diminished mental powers. The author's description of the abnormalities shown on SPECT scans back up Dr Goldstein's theories.

The book provides the reader with a valuable insight into the brain not only from a CFS/ME angle but also from a general viewpoint. His work and understanding is very advanced and CFS/ME patients can feel relieved that there is someone who fully understands this illness which has baffled many physicians for so long.

The book is a slim 90-page volume and was released to coincide with the medical version. It sells for $29.95. The medical version, 'Betrayal by the Brain - The Neurological Basis of CFS/ME, Fibromyalgia and Related Neural Network Disorders', by Jay Goldstein is $49.95 and contains treatments. Books can be ordered through Johima Books, PO Box 4048 Parramatta, NSW 2124. Phone (02) 9687 1922.

Reprinted from Emerge, June 1996.