Fibromyalgia and the Brain

I have treated many many patients with fibromyalgia and it is quite a challenge. The symptoms range from mild occasional pain to diffuse inflammation. I have seen patients react to just about any kind of activity and treatment. Many are discouraged from being told by their health care practitioners that they are exaggerating their pain. Some were sent to mental health practitioners to overcome their "symptom magnification."

Needless to say many of these patients were relieved when I told them that they have a "real" disease.

Now, a new link between fibromyalgia and the brain has been found. Researchers at Louisiana State University examined fibromyalgia patients and studied brain function. They found that a part of the brain called the hippocampus may be dysfunctional. It may be that long term exposure to stress may result in an increased excitability of the hippocampus and leads to an increase in the sensation of pain.

Fibromyalgia is a complex disease and this may be one piece of the puzzle for treating it.

Peace and Healing,

Dr. Bruce

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www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:

Wood, C. Ledbetter, M. Glabus, L. Broadwell, J. Patterson 2nd. Hippocampal Metabolite Abnormalities in Fibromyalgia: Correlation With Clinical Features. The Journal of Pain, 2008