ME/CFS South Australia Inc supports the needs of sufferers of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and related illnesses. We do this by providing services and information to members. Disclaimer ME/CFS South Australia Inc aims to keep members informed of various research projects, diets, medications, therapies, news items, etc. All communication, both verbal and written, is merely to disseminate information and not to make recommendations or directives. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed on this Web site are not necessarily the official views of the Society or its Committee and are not simply an endorsement of products or services. |
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Abnormal brain signals and Fibromyalgia symptomsFriday 2 September 2011 From About.com's Adrienne Dellwo:
Abnormal Brain Signals & Fibromyalgia Symptoms Research Brief Recent research out of Korea has linked abnormalities in 2 regions of the brain with fibromyalgia pain. Researchers in this small study used a special brain scan called a blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast fMRI to look for different reactions to pain in fibromyalgia and healthy controls in response to varying amounts of pressure. They say scans revealed significant activity differences in the insular cortex (IC) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) at medium and high pressure levels. Furthermore, at medium pressure levels the amount of change in the STG was greater for those with more tender points. The Insular Cortex The insular cortex, also called the insula, deals with myriad functions, including:
Previous research has linked fibromyalgia to high levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate in this region. Glutamate is an excitotoxin, which means it stimulates activity -- and sometimes a dangerous level of over-activity -- in brain cells. The Superior Temporal Gyrus The superior temporal gyrus deals with many functions as well, including:
Previous fibromyalgia research has identified a decreased grey matter in this region, suggesting altered function. STG abnormalities may also be associated with language and social impairment in autism. Abnormal activity in the IC and the STG could help explain many symptoms of fibromyalgia. This research also supports the prevailing theory that fibromyalgia is a neurological illness. Learn more or join the conversation! NEWSLETTER | FORUM | BIO | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
The above, with comments, originally appeared here.
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