Is Chiari I malformation associated with fibromyalgia?
Nathaniel F Watson1, Dedra Buchwald, Jack Goldberg
1Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. nwatson@uw.edu
Neurosurgery
|December 8, 2010
Summary
Chiari I Malformation (CIM) is not more common in fibromyalgia (FM) patients than in controls. This study found no significant difference in CIM prevalence, despite overlapping symptoms and higher symptom burden in FM patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chiari I Malformation (CIM) share overlapping symptoms.
- Some FM patients have undergone surgery for suspected CIM-related issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if CIM is more prevalent in FM patients compared to pain- and fatigue-free controls.
Main Methods:
- 176 FM patients and 67 controls underwent MRI of the brain and upper cervical spine.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and hindbrain/spinal cord movement were assessed.
- CIM diagnosis involved tonsillar position and CSF flow abnormalities.
Main Results:
- CIM prevalence was similar between FM patients (2.8%) and controls (4.5%).
- FM patients reported significantly higher rates of headache, pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
- The FM group was older, more likely white, and predominantly female compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The study concludes that most fibromyalgia patients do not have Chiari I Malformation.
- Future research should explore dynamic neuroimaging of craniocervical neuroanatomy in FM patients.
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