Hypothetical framework for post-COVID 19 condition based on a fibromyalgia pathogenetic model

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis, and post-COVID-19 condition present overlapping clinical symptoms.
• Chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and widespread pain are common to these three syndromes.
• Current research suggests fibromyalgia may stem from stress-evoked, sympathetically maintained neuropathic pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential shared pathophysiological mechanisms between fibromyalgia and post-COVID-19 condition.
• To investigate the role of dorsal root ganglia dysregulation and small fiber neuropathy in these conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature and emerging evidence.
• Comparative analysis of clinical presentations and proposed pathogenetic pathways.

Main Results:

• Significant clinical overlap exists between fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis, and post-COVID-19.
• Dorsal root ganglia dysregulation and small fiber neuropathy are implicated in fibromyalgia pathogenesis.
• Emerging evidence suggests these neuropathic mechanisms may also be relevant to post-COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• Shared neuropathic mechanisms, particularly involving dorsal root ganglia and small fiber neuropathy, are proposed for fibromyalgia and post-COVID-19.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate these pathways and inform potential therapeutic strategies.