Overview of Fibromyalgia

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Philip J. Mease, MD.

Fibromyalgia, a central pain condition, manifests as heightened pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction due to increased neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and a deficient inhibitory pathway. Prevalent in 2-4% of the general population, its association with chronic rheumatic diseases raises the incidence to 20%. Detection involves assessing patients with persistent pain, fatigue, and disproportionate symptoms. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience pain despite normal inflammation markers. Advanced neuroimaging and spinal fluid analysis reveal changes in the central nervous system, including excessive nociceptive signaling and alterations in brain networks like the default mode network. Fibromyalgia sufferers lack rest in their central nervous system, exacerbated by factors like sleep disturbance and genetic predisposition. Understanding these complexities aids in managing fibromyalgia and its variations during stress or autoimmune inflammation flares. The medical community employs various diagnostic methods, including sophisticated neuroimaging and neurohormone testing, to comprehend and address the intricate nature of fibromyalgia.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive editorial staff.