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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
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A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers
Published on: January 5, 2024
Neuroendocrine dysfunction in fibromyalgia and migraine
Marcelo Moraes Valença1, Fabíola Lys Medeiros, Hugo A Martins
1Instituto Israelita deEnsino e Pesquisa Hospital Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|September 5, 2009
Summary
Fibromyalgia and migraine, common in women, often co-occur. This review explores shared pain mechanisms and neuroendocrine dysfunction in these chronic brain disorders to inform new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) and migraine are prevalent chronic disorders, disproportionately affecting women.
- High comorbidity exists, with 35%-88% of FM patients experiencing headaches, primarily migraine.
- A significant subgroup exhibits a combined FM and migraine presentation, potentially altering disease progression and impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common pathophysiological aspects of fibromyalgia and migraine.
- To explore shared mechanisms in pain control and neuroendocrine dysfunction.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for these disabling neurological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on fibromyalgia and migraine pathophysiology.
- Analysis of shared mechanisms including central sensitization and neuroendocrine factors.
- Examination of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator roles in cerebrospinal fluid.
Main Results:
- Shared involvement of hypothalamic and brainstem pain control centers in FM and migraine.
- Evidence suggests neurotransmitter/neuromodulator dysregulation contributes to central sensitization.
- Altered cerebrospinal fluid levels of certain substances are observed in these conditions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding shared pathophysiological pathways is crucial for effective treatment of co-occurring FM and migraine.
- Targeting central sensitization and neuroendocrine dysfunction may offer novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into these mechanisms can lead to improved management of these debilitating disorders.
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