FRIDAY, June 19 (HealthDay News) — Changes in the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine may explain brain gray matter reductions experienced by patients with fibromyalgia, a new study suggests.
Previous research found an association between fibromyalgia and reductions in gray matter, but the cause wasn’t known, the researchers wrote.
In this new study, Dr. Patrick B. Wood, of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport, and colleagues used MRI to compare the brains of 30 women with fibromyalgia and 20 healthy women of the same age. Significant reductions in gray matter were found in the fibromyalgia patients, confirming previous findings.
The new study, published in the June issue of the Journal of Pain, also found that fibromyalgia patients showed a strong correlation of dopamine metabolism levels and gray matter density in areas of the brain where dopamine is known to control neurological activity.
This association between dopamine levels and gray matter density offer new information about a possible mechanism behind some of the brain abnormalities seen in fibromyalgia patients, the researchers concluded.
More information
The American College of Rheumatology has more about fibromyalgia.
— Robert Preidt
SOURCE: American Pain Society, news release, June 16, 2009
Last Updated: June 19, 2009
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Comments (14)
They’ve discovered a retro-virus linked to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigure Syndrome. More info here:
http://notesalongthepath.wordpress.com/2009/10/10/fibromyalgia-chronic-fatigue-virus-isolated-whoo-hoo/
Fibromyalgia is often related to candida overgrowth and part of the CFIDS complex. This articl by Dr. DeShepper provides an excellent perspective: http://www.flora-balance.com/chronic.htm. Generally a program to restore overall health to body can be helpful and stress is a huge factor.
Curious about the dopamine levels, I wonder if that could be related to candida?
seems to make my pain worse maybe a different kind would help or not
my fibromyalgia came on after i had my last baby like clock work started at my legs went to my back to my arms by time it got to my neck and head area i had white matter lesions or areas on my b
my fibromyalgia came on after i had my last baby like clock work started at my legs went to my back to my arms by time it got to my neck and head area i had white matter lesions on my brain but being related to candida very interesting some should study that
Over the years my fibrom. has grown to expand most of my body. The latest growth has been my neck and head. Also I begain to have continued muscle spasims. At this moment my latest has lasted 3 days and counting. I’ve been unsuccessful in my attemps to find the best medical help I can. It seems that no matter the simptions doctors are now saying it’s fibromyalgia…it could be the common cold even. Over the years FM has crawled over most of my body.
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after 7 years of visiting doctors and being told it was my hormones or menopause or depression. It has recently got worse and the only thing which seems to have worked is aquarobics even though its a struggle, it seems to help. Is amytriptaline the only medication presecribed?
This is curious – after so many patients have been told it was “all in their heads”…
Suddenly, it seems to be a real disease!
Alexa Fleckenstein M.D., physician, author.
The fact that fibro is a brain-based neurological disorder would explain why chiropractic care and biofeedback reduces symptoms for some patients. Obviously we need more research, but it’s good to see science getting closer to an answer. Here is an article about fibro and chiropractic care:
http://bit.ly/bXnTUh
I agree a more holistic approach to treating FM symptoms is needed–from physical activity to diet to self care. My mother was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue when I was in my early teens and was diagnosed with FM within the last 10 years. I don’t believe that medication is the first line of defense…but then again, I don’t suffer from the pain of FM.
Sounds similar to MS?
“This is curious – after so many patients have been told it was “all in their heads”…
Suddenly, it seems to be a real disease!
Alexa Fleckenstein M.D., physician, author.”
A real disease – in their heads!
I was diagnosed with fibro after so many years of
going to doctors when I learned I had clinical
depression. The doctor told me that they thought
the two went hand in hand and it wasn’t until my diagnosed that I was finally relieved to learn I was
not crazy!!!
I would be interested to know about the relationship between dopamine and serotonin, another neurotransmitter. This is because many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia seem to be connected to serotonin. I will be having a look to investigate this further, thanks very much for bringing it to our attention.
Best wishes,
Ruth