Spinal Disinhibition in Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Marshall Anne, Burgess Jamie, Goebel Andreas, Frank Bernhard, Alam Uazman, Marshall Andrew
Primary Institution: University of Liverpool
Hypothesis
Do patients with fibromyalgia syndrome exhibit evidence of spinal disinhibition?
Conclusion
Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome show evidence of spinal disinhibition, particularly in those with a shorter duration of the disease.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with fibromyalgia had significantly impaired H-reflex rate-dependent depression compared to healthy controls.
- Impairment of HRDD was most pronounced in patients with a shorter duration of disease.
- 42% of patients with fibromyalgia had HRDD values that fell outside the normal range.
Takeaway
This study found that people with fibromyalgia have a problem with how their spinal cord processes pain, especially if they've had the condition for a shorter time.
Methodology
The study involved 31 individuals with fibromyalgia and 20 healthy volunteers who underwent testing of the Hoffman reflex and various pain assessments.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to participants continuing pain medication during assessments.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design and relatively small sample size limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
31 individuals with fibromyalgia (29 females, 2 males) and 20 healthy volunteers (15 females, 5 males).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.011 for HRDD at 3 Hz, 0.026 for HRDD at 1 Hz
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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