Origin of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia may originate from neuron mismatch, study suggests.

"Fibromyalgia might have its origin in a mismatch between input from motor and sensory neurons," according to a study published in the November issue of Rheumatology.

Dr. McCabe, Ph.D., of the University of Bath, and colleagues, analyzed "29 fibromyalgia patients and 14 healthy volunteers. Participants performed a series of upper and lower limb movements that were either congruent or incongruent." They found "that 26 of 29 fibromyalgia patients reported sensing a transient increase in pain, change in temperature, or heaviness in the hidden limb.

The sensations mimicked what occurs during a fibromyalgia flare up.

However, only 50 percent of the volunteers felt the same sensations. The researchers concluded, "We have shown that by confusing the motor and sensory systems, we can exacerbate the symptoms felt by people diagnosed with the condition."

These findings correspond to previous studies which suggest that fibromyalgia symptoms "may be perpetuated, or even triggered, by this sensory-motor conflict."