Learn About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a non infectious, non progressive, non life threatening condition where the patient experiences pain in different parts of the body including the skin which is extremely sensitive to touch.
Recent studies indicate that the condition may involve more than just pain and the concept of 'fribromyalgia syndrome' has emerged.
It is also suspected that the patients with fibromyalgia may be genetically predisposed to the condition.
What causes fibromyalgia? The causes are as yet unknown.
Hypotheses are many.
Patients could be genetically predisposed.
Stress could be a participating factor in the development of the disease.
Psychosomatic illnesses and related stress could trigger off the problem.
Disturbed sleep patterns, serotonin deficiency, dopamine abnormality, problems in the hypothalamus, comorbid disorders, deposition disease, environmental toxins, viruses, neurotransmitter disruptions and several other factors have been hypothesized to be the cause of fibromyalgia.
The pathophysiology of the disease indicates that patients with fibromyalgia exhibit disturbed sleep patterns, poly modal sensitivity(such as sensitivity to heat, cold, electrical and chemical simulation), neuroendocrine disruption causing mild hyperactivity of the pituitary gland and progressive reduction of the growth hormone, sympathetic hyperactivity of the nervous system, cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities and abnormal brain involvement.
The symptoms of the disease include chronic, widespread pain and tenderness to light touch; moderate to severe fatigue; tingling, needle sharp muscle aches, muscle spasms, weakness in limbs, nerve pain, functional bowel disturbances, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction(such as short term and long term memory problems), dermatological disorders, headaches, myclonic twitches and symptomatic hypoglycemia.
Patients display increased psychological stress.
Treatment of fibromyalgia is symptomatic, as the condition is not completely understood.
Doctors often prescribe mild analgesics for pain, muscle relaxants, tricyclic anti depressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anti seizure medication, dopamine agonists, central nervous system stimulants or a combination of the above mentioned therapies.
There are several non drug treatments also suggested such as floatation tank therapy.
Physical treatments involve exercise and sleep therapies to reduce pain and improve sleep.
Psychological therapies may include counseling, biofeedback and self management therapies and diet therapies may include minimizing consumption of monosodium glutamate.
A few controversial investigational therapies are also offered for those willing to take the risk.
Fibromyalgia affects about 2% of any population.
by: Mila Sabido Editor [http://www.
articleports.
com]
Recent studies indicate that the condition may involve more than just pain and the concept of 'fribromyalgia syndrome' has emerged.
It is also suspected that the patients with fibromyalgia may be genetically predisposed to the condition.
What causes fibromyalgia? The causes are as yet unknown.
Hypotheses are many.
Patients could be genetically predisposed.
Stress could be a participating factor in the development of the disease.
Psychosomatic illnesses and related stress could trigger off the problem.
Disturbed sleep patterns, serotonin deficiency, dopamine abnormality, problems in the hypothalamus, comorbid disorders, deposition disease, environmental toxins, viruses, neurotransmitter disruptions and several other factors have been hypothesized to be the cause of fibromyalgia.
The pathophysiology of the disease indicates that patients with fibromyalgia exhibit disturbed sleep patterns, poly modal sensitivity(such as sensitivity to heat, cold, electrical and chemical simulation), neuroendocrine disruption causing mild hyperactivity of the pituitary gland and progressive reduction of the growth hormone, sympathetic hyperactivity of the nervous system, cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities and abnormal brain involvement.
The symptoms of the disease include chronic, widespread pain and tenderness to light touch; moderate to severe fatigue; tingling, needle sharp muscle aches, muscle spasms, weakness in limbs, nerve pain, functional bowel disturbances, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction(such as short term and long term memory problems), dermatological disorders, headaches, myclonic twitches and symptomatic hypoglycemia.
Patients display increased psychological stress.
Treatment of fibromyalgia is symptomatic, as the condition is not completely understood.
Doctors often prescribe mild analgesics for pain, muscle relaxants, tricyclic anti depressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anti seizure medication, dopamine agonists, central nervous system stimulants or a combination of the above mentioned therapies.
There are several non drug treatments also suggested such as floatation tank therapy.
Physical treatments involve exercise and sleep therapies to reduce pain and improve sleep.
Psychological therapies may include counseling, biofeedback and self management therapies and diet therapies may include minimizing consumption of monosodium glutamate.
A few controversial investigational therapies are also offered for those willing to take the risk.
Fibromyalgia affects about 2% of any population.
by: Mila Sabido Editor [http://www.
articleports.
com]
