Structural and functional brain changes in fibromyalgia: investigation of potential mechanisms associated with central sensitization in chronic pain
Despite different techniques, equipment, and statistical criteria, neuroimaging studies
have been considerably consistent in the identification of brain regions involved
in various pain related processes. Functional neuroimaging studies regularly identify
activation differences in a stable set of brain regions between pain and control populations.
Recent structural studies have reported similar gray matter abnormalities among multiple
chronic pain populations. Yet, the findings from structural and functional imaging
studies are not completely unified.
Together, these structural and functional imaging results suggest a functional plasticity of the brain circuitry that is consistent with theories of central sensitization, and may be a key factor in the development and/or maintenance of chronic pain.