Effect of Steroids on Patients With Fibromyalgia/Chromic Widespread Pain: An Observational Study
Objective: Fibromyalgia causes widespread chronic pain. Pain management and treating underlying conditions are of utmost importance. Recent studies found an association of thyroid autoimmunity with fibromyalgia. Pain management of patients with anti-thyroid ...
We found that 51.6% of the patients responded well to the steroid therapy
Anti-satellite glia cell IgG antibodies in fibromyalgia patients are related to symptom severity and to metabolite concentrations in thalamus and rostral anterior cingulate cortex
Recent translational work has shown that fibromyalgia might be an autoimmune condition with pathogenic mechanisms mediated by a peripheral, pain-induc…
Repeated cold stress, an animal model for fibromyalgia, elicits proprioceptor-induced chronic pain with microglial activation in mice - Journal of Neuroinflammation
Background Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain, fatigue, and other somatic symptoms. We have recently revealed that proprioceptor hyperactivation induces chronic pain in a rat model of myalgic encephalomyelitis. The present study explores whether similar proprioceptor-induced pain is elicited in a mouse model of fibromyalgia. Methods Repeated cold stress (RCS) was used as a fibromyalgia model. Pain behavior was examined using the von Frey test, and neuronal activation was examined immunohistochemically as activating transcription factor (ATF)3 expression. The Atf3:BAC transgenic mouse, in which mitochondria in hyperactivated neurons are specifically labeled by green fluorescent protein, was used to trace the activated neuronal circuit. PLX3397 (pexidartinib) was used for microglial suppression. Results RCS elicited long-lasting pain in mice. ATF3, a marker of cellular hyperactivity and injury, was expressed in the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) 2 days after RCS initiation; the majority of ATF3-expressing DRG neurons were tropomyosin receptor kinase C- and/or vesicular glutamate transporter 1-positive proprioceptors. Microglial activation and increased numbers of microglia were observed in the medial part of the nucleus proprius 5 days after RCS initiation, and in the dorsal region of the ventral horn 7 days after RCS. In the ventral horn, only a subset of motor neurons was positive for ATF3; these neurons were surrounded by activated microglia. A retrograde tracer study revealed that ATF3-positive motor neurons projected to the intrinsic muscles of the foot (IMF). Using Atf3:BAC transgenic mice, we traced hyperactivated neuronal circuits along the reflex arc. Green fluorescent protein labeling was observed in proprioceptive DRG neurons and their processes originating from the IMF, as well as in motor neurons projecting to the IMF. Microglial activation was observed along this reflex arc, and PLX3397-induced microglial ablation significantly suppressed pain behavior. Conclusion Proprioceptor hyperactivation leads to local microglial activation along the reflex arc; this prolonged microglial activation may be responsible for chronic pain in the present model. Proprioceptor-induced microglial activation might be the common cause of chronic pain in both the fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis models, although the experimental models are different.
Neutrophils infiltrate sensory ganglia and mediate chronic widespread pain in fibromyalgia | PNAS
Conclusion: “We used a model of hyperalgesic priming to induce chronic widespread pain in mice that resulted in robust and persistent ipsilateral and contralateral behavioral hypersensitivity and sensitization of spinal cord neurons. Adoptive transfer of neutrophils from primed mice and from patients with fibromyalgia syndrome confers mechanical pain to recipient naïve mice, sensitizes evoked action potential firing of spinal cord neurons, and causes neutrophil infiltration into the dorsal root ganglia. These data demonstrate that neutrophils are fundamental for the development of chronic widespread pain through infiltration of peripheral sensory ganglia. Further studies characterizing the neutrophil phenotype in fibromyalgia syndrome may shed light on mediators of the cross talk between these polymorphonuclear granulocytes and sensory neurons. Our findings suggest that targeting neutrophils may be useful therapeutic targets for pain control in fibromyalgia.”
Unbiased immune profiling reveals a natural killer cell-peripheral nerve axis in fibromyalgia
Conclusion: “This study identified a neuro-immune interface between peripheral nerves and NK cells in FMS patients that suggests a novel mechanism for FMS pathogenesis and a new direction in the development of therapeutic options to treat this poorly managed syndrome.”
Approximately 30% of Americans suffer from chronic pain disorders, such as fibromyalgia (FM), which can cause debilitating pain. Many pain-killing drugs prescribed for chronic pain disorders are highly addictive, have limited clinical efficacy, and do ...
Fibromyalgia patients show an abnormal dopamine response to pain - PubMed
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread pain and bodily tenderness and is often accompanied by affective disturbances. Accumulating evidence indicates that fibromyalgia may involve a dysfunction of modulatory systems in the brain. While brain dopamine is best known for its role in pleasu …
Altered dopamine D2 receptor function in fibromyalgia patients: a neuroendocrine study with buspirone in women with fibromyalgia compared to female population based controls
Altered Functional Performance in Patients with Fibromyalgia
Conclusion: Our data revealed that both gait and balance were severely impaired in FM, and that subjective complaints associated with FM could contribute to functional disability in these patients. These findings suggest that optimal rehabilitation and fall prevention in fibromyalgia require a comprehensive assessment of both psychological responses to pain and physical impairments during postural control and gait.
Conclusion: Our data revealed that both gait and balance were severely impaired in FM, and that subjective complaints associated with FM could contribute to functional disability in these patients. These findings suggest that optimal rehabilitation and fall prevention in fibromyalgia require a comprehensive assessment of both psychological responses to pain and physical impairments during postural control and gait.
[Adrenal crisis associated with modafinil use] - PubMed
Wondering if my adrenal insufficiency is due to Armodafinil use. Armodafinil helps my fibromyalgia pain, but adrenal insufficiency in fibromyalgia is common.
Modulatory Effects of Modafinil on Neural Circuits Regulating Emotion and Cognition
The calming of the amygdala with low-dose modafinil (100 mg) might have something to do with the way it hinders neuroinflammation and therefore fibromyalgia pain, is my guess. Armodafinil helps me; modafinil helps another Redditor.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with fibromyalgia: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis
Transcranial magnetic stimulation effective at relieving fibromyalgia pain.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) effectively relieves pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia. The frequency and target site of rTMS have significant roles in therapy effectiveness.
Oxidative Stress in Fibromyalgia: From Pathology to Treatment
Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain associated with sleep problems, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. The persistence of pain, impairment of cognitive function, and negative impact on the psychological state have ...
Infrared Radiation in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review
Specifically WA-ON, ceramic-coated
3.1.2. Fibromyalgia Three Randomized controlled trials and one observational study focused on fibromyalgia (FM). These studies were published between 2007 and 2019 and included 219 patients. All studies reported significant pain and FM symptoms reduction and quality of life improvement. In particular, fabrics coated with bioceramics could decrease FM-associated pain and burden in female patients by 21% in the VAS and FIQ assessment scales [17]. WAON therapy (soothing warmth therapy) was associated with an even greater improvement of FM symptoms assessed by both scales (52.7% in VAS, 34.6% in FIQ) in both male and female patients [16]. Similar results were reported with the use of AE and FIR [16] and mild water-filtered near-infrared whole-body hyperthermia (NI-WBH) [15] in both male and female patients. The latter appeared as a beneficial addition to standard multimodal rehabilitation (MR) sessions [15]. FIR treatment sessions were provided for 2–6 weeks [16,18], and patients were monitored for a time period ranging between 2 weeks and 6 months [15]. The reported relief was maintained during the monitoring period [18] or was significant within the first 6 weeks post-treatment [15].
Is fibromyalgia associated with a unique cytokine profile? A systematic review and meta-analysis
We found evidence of significant differences in the peripheral blood cytokine profiles of fibromyalgia patients compared with HC. However, the distinctive profile associated with fibromyalgia includes both pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in pooled analysis, as well as chemokine (eotaxin) signatures. Further research is required to elucidate the role of cytokines in fibromyalgia.
We found evidence of significant differences in the peripheral blood cytokine profiles of fibromyalgia patients compared with HC. However, the distinctive profile associated with fibromyalgia includes both pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in pooled analysis, as well as chemokine (eotaxin) signatures. Further research is required to elucidate the role of cytokines in fibromyalgia.
Neuropeptides CRH, SP, HK-1, and Inflammatory Cytokines IL-6 and TNF Are Increased in Serum of Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Implicating Mast Cells
Metal-induced inflammation triggers fibromyalgia in metal-allergic patients - PubMed
Note: I have a nickel allergy, but no longer knowingly come into contact with nickel, unless it's hidden in a lot of things.
Results:
All FM patients tested positive to at least one of the metals tested. The most frequent reactions were to nickel, followed by inorganic mercury, cadmium and lead. Some healthy controls responded to inorganic mercury in vitro but most of the tests were negative. Objective examination 5 years later showed that half of the patients no longer fulfilled the FM diagnosis, 20% had improved and the remaining 30% still had FM. All patients reported subjective health improvement. This correlated with the normalisation of metal-specific responses in vitro.
Conclusion:
Metal allergy is frequent in FM patients. The reduction of metal exposure resulted in improved health in the majority of metal-sensitized patients. This suggests that metal-induced inflammation might be an important risk factor in a subset of patients with FM.
Abnormal functional neurocircuitry underpinning emotional processing in fibromyalgia
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience - Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by chronic pain, is frequently accompanied by emotional disturbances. Here we aimed to study...
These results suggest abnormal brain activation and connectivity underlying emotion processing in fibromyalgia, which could help explain the high prevalence of psychopathological symptoms in this condition.
Microstructural Evidence of Neuroinflammation for Psychological Symptoms and Pain in Patients With Fibromyalgia
Objective In patients with fibromyalgia (FM), the brain shows altered structure and functional connectivity, but the mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. This study investigated the associated changes in brain microstructures and neuroinflammation of patients with FM.
Methods We recruited 14 patients with FM and 14 healthy controls (HCs). Visual analog scale (VAS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used for assessing their pain, anxiety, and depression levels, respectively. Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) was used to visualize microstructural alterations associated with neuroinflammation in specific brain regions. The biomarkers for neuron damage, including serum tau and amyloid β protein fragment 1-42 (Aβ1-42) levels, were assessed. Spearman correlation of DKI parameters with VAS, BAI, and BDI-II scores as well as tau and Aβ1-42 levels were assessed.
Results The patients with FM had significantly higher levels of Aβ1-42 levels than HCs. Compared with HCs, the patients with FM showed significantly lower DKI parameters in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex. Patients with FM showed a significant correlation between the axial kurtosis values of the amygdala and VAS scores (left: ρ = −0.60, P = 0.02; right: ρ = −7.04, P = 0.005).
Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use DKI to examine the brains of patients with FM. We noted significant DKI changes associated with neuroinflammation at specific areas in patients with FM. Our results provide valuable information on brain neuroinflammation and pathophysiological changes in patients with FM.
Microstructural Evidence of Neuroinflammation for Psychological Symptoms and Pain in Patients With Fibromyalgia
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.
Psychological characteristics associated with the brain volume of patients with fibromyalgia - BioPsychoSocial Medicine
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disease characterized by chronic widespread pain concomitant with psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression. It has been reported that FM patients engage in pain catastrophizing. In this study, we investigated characteristics of the brain volume of female FM patients and the association between psychological indices and brain volume. Thirty-nine female FM patients and 25 female healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for the study, and five FM patients were excluded due to white matter lesions. The following analyses were performed: (1) T1-weighted MRI were acquired for 34 FM patients (age 41.6 ± 7.4) and 25 HCs (age 39.5 ± 7.4). SPM12 was used to compare their gray and white matter volumes. (2) Data from anxiety and depression questionnaires (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (subscales rumination, helplessness, magnification), and MRI were acquired for 34 FM patients (age 41.6 ± 7.4). Correlation analysis was done of the psychological indices and brain volume. We found that (1) The white matter volume of the temporal pole was larger in the FM patient group than in the HC group. (2) Correlation analysis of the psychological indices and gray matter volume showed a negative correlation between trait anxiety and the amygdala. For the white matter volume, positive correlations were found between depression and the brainstem and between magnification and the postcentral gyrus. Changes in the brain volume of female FM patients may be related to anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by altered frontal and cerebellar structural covariance brain networks
Altered brain morphometry has been widely acknowledged in chronic pain, and recent studies have implicated altered network dynamics, as opposed to pro…
Accelerated Brain Gray Matter Loss in Fibromyalgia Patients: Premature Aging of the Brain?
Fibromyalgia is an intractable widespread pain disorder that is most frequently diagnosed in women. It has traditionally been classified as either a musculoskeletal disease or a psychological disorder. Accumulating evidence now suggests that fibromyalgia ...
