Much is still unknown about the etiology and pathophysiology of fibromyalgia. Numerous abnormalities in pain processing have been demonstrated in fibromyalgia, including:
Excess excitatory (pronociceptive) neurotransmitters (eg, substance P, glutamate levels in the insula)
Low levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters (eg, serotonin and norepinephrine) in descending antinociceptive pathways in the spinal cord
Maintained enhancement of temporal summation of second pain
Altered endogenous opioid analgesic activity in several brain regions known to play a role in pain modulation
Dopamine dysregulation
Learn more about the etiology of fibromyalgia.
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Cite this: Herbert S. Diamond. Fast Five Quiz: Fibromyalgia Key Aspects - Medscape - Feb 16, 2022.
