SNP MP Patricia Gibson has called for more research into treatments for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

The long term, chronic, fluctuating neurological condition causes unrelenting fatigue and profound pain. ME is relatively common and affects around 20,00people in Scotland.

Although some people have relatively mild symptoms and manage daily activities with additional rest, a more serious form of the illness may affect their everyday lives and leave them housebound and disabled.

The North Ayrshire and Arran MP made her call for more research into the condition during a debate at Westminster on January 24.

She said: “This devastating neurological condition affects more people than Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis combined and costs the UK economy at least £3.3billion each year in terms of health care, welfare payments and lost productivity.

“We must develop a better understanding of ME. Global scientific consensus is that investigating, treating and curing ME requires significant biomedical research into new and innovative treatments.

“I have called for that to be taken forward urgently by the Government to bring hope to sufferers that a cure can be found."