Fibromyalgia May Be Central Nervous System Disorder

Fibromyalgia, for years, has been cast aside by some doctors as not a real condition. Two researchers from the University of Michigan, Richard E. Harris, Ph.D. and Daniel J. Clauw, M.D. suggest that fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder. The researchers also believe fibromyalgia patients have a hypersensitivity to pain and that there is a strong genetic component associated with the condition. According to their report in the December issue of the journal Current Pain and Headache Reports:

• Brain imaging studies show differences in response to pain stimulation for patients with and without fibromyalgia.
• Fibromyalgia patients show increased brain activity in response to pain compared to people without the condition.
• Fibromyalgia patients have abnormalities within the central brain.
• Fibromyalgia patients do not process the body's natural pain relievers as well as people without the condition.

While more is understood about fibromyalgia, there has not been significant progress in developing new fibromyalgia treatment options.

Related Resources:

• How is Fibromyalgia Treated?
• Fibromyalgia Screening Quiz
• How is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
• Fast Facts About Fibromyalgia
• Fibromyalgia: Test Your Knowledge
• How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

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