Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
08:33
A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Trial of Cranial Electrical Stimulation for Fibromyalgia Pain and Physical Function, Using Brain Imaging Biomarkers
Published on: January 5, 2024
Pathophysiology of fibromyalgia
1Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA. Braddog@uab.edu
The American Journal of Medicine
|December 8, 2009
Summary
Fibromyalgia pathophysiology involves biologic, genetic, and environmental factors, potentially linked to other pain conditions. Research is advancing understanding for better fibromyalgia treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain condition.
- It is considered an affective spectrum disorder.
- It frequently co-occurs with other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and temporomandibular disorder.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biologic, genetic, and environmental factors contributing to fibromyalgia pathophysiology.
- To explore shared causal factors with related pain conditions.
- To highlight the implications for future treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on fibromyalgia.
- Analysis of genetic, biologic, and environmental contributing factors.
- Examination of central pain processing and endogenous pain inhibition.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests alterations in central sensory processing and pain inhibition contribute to fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Genetic studies indicate familial aggregation of fibromyalgia and related disorders.
- Physical/psychosocial stressors and autonomic/neuroendocrine dysregulation play a role.
Conclusions:
- Fibromyalgia pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving central pain processing, genetics, and environmental influences.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted treatments.
- Continued research will refine therapeutic approaches for fibromyalgia patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:21Layers of Connective Tissue Proper
Fascia, a thin layer of fibrous connective tissue, is distributed throughout the body. It demarcates and forms a supportive covering over skeletal muscles, bones, blood vessels, and organs. There are three main types of facia— superficial fascia, deep fascia, and subserous fascia. These are all present at different depths in the body. Fascia reduces the friction and permits muscles, joints, and organs to easily slide against each other, facilitating movement of the body and preventing tearing...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:24Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...