Opinion
Video
Impact of Brain on Nociplastic Pain for Fibromyalgia
Author(s):
Daniel J. Clauw, MD, describes the role the brain and CNS play in controlling the setting of nociplastic pain in patients with fibromyalgia and highlights increased patient sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
This is a video synopsis of a discussion involving Daniel J. Clauw, MD, a professor of anesthesiology, medicine/rheumatology, and psychiatry at the University of Michigan. Dr. Clauw focuses on the management of fibromyalgia, a prototypical central pain condition, exploring terms such as nociplastic pain and central sensitization.
In the discussion, Dr. Clauw explains that fibromyalgia involves pain that is either amplified or caused by the central nervous system. He emphasizes that individuals with fibromyalgia not only experience pain but also suffer from associated symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep problems, memory issues, and mood disorders. These individuals exhibit heightened sensitivity not only to pain but also to various sensory stimuli, including light, noise, and odors.
The international group of pain researchers identifies nociplastic pain as the underlying mechanism in fibromyalgia, making it a poster child for this type of pain. Dr. Clauw highlights the multifaceted nature of fibromyalgia, linking it to a rapidly advancing understanding of the brain's involvement in the condition. Certain brain regions, such as the insula, are identified as crucial in amplifying the pain experienced by individuals with fibromyalgia.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive® editorial staff.
