Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic, idiopathic condition of widespread musculoskeletal pain, affecting primarily women. It is clinically characterized by chronic, nonarticular pain and a heightened response to pressure along with sleep disturbances, fatigue, bowel and bladder abnormalities, and cognitive dysfunction. The diagnostic criteria have changed repeatedly, and there is neither a definitive pathogenesis nor reliable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Clinical and laboratory studies have provided evidence of altered central pain pathways. Recent evidence suggests the involvement of neuroinflammation with stress peptides triggering the release of neurosenzitizing mediators. The management of FMS requires a multidimensional approach including patient education, behavioral therapy, exercise, and pain management. Here we review recent data on the pathogenesis and propose new directions for research and treatment.
Footnotes
- Received July 1, 2015.
- Accepted August 24, 2015.
Current affiliation: Lauren Arbetman is currently at School of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [Grant NS38326] and National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [Grant AR47652], as well as the Michael and Katherine Johnson Family Fund (to T.C.T.).
- Copyright © 2015 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
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