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Internal gating and somatization disorders: proposing a yet un-described neural system
Nash N Boutros1, Rosalind Peters
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, College of Nursing, Detroit, MI 48207, United States. nboutros@med.wayne.edu
Medical Hypotheses
|November 18, 2011
Summary
Medically unexplained symptoms may arise from a failed internal sensory gating system. This system normally filters out sensations from internal organs, preventing them from reaching consciousness.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) represent a significant healthcare burden with unclear pathophysiology.
- Chronic stress is linked to MUS, but mechanisms and symptom variability remain elusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel hypothesis for the development of MUS.
- To introduce the concept of an internal (visceral) sensory gating system.
Main Methods:
- The study is theoretical, proposing a hypothesis based on existing observations.
- It draws parallels with the well-established external sensory gating system.
Main Results:
- The hypothesis posits the existence of a subconscious gating mechanism for visceral sensations.
- Failure of this internal gating system could lead to the perception of symptoms indicating organ pathology.
Conclusions:
- If validated, the internal sensory gating hypothesis has significant implications for understanding and treating MUS.
- Potential applications include developing methods to assess and correct this gating system.
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