Fibromyalgia Research Paper

2890 Words12 Pages
Running head: FIBROMYLGIA Gail A. Strong Fibromyalgia COUN 7361 Medical Aspects of Disability Professor Chyrle Cantrell May 4, 2011 Abstract Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain conditions. The disorder affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. and an estimated 3-6% of the world population. While men and children are affected by fibromyalgia, it is most prevalent in women. It can occur independently or can be associated with another disease, such as systemic lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The complexity of fibromyalgia has created confusion throughout the medical world; myths have circulated around patients reporting “abnormal” physical pain. To help dismiss the myths about fibromyalgia, this paper will…show more content…
While there is still not a majority of fibromyalgia researchers who support any one theory, significant progress is being made in identifying an etiology” (Verbunt, 2008). Researchers are constantly looking at diverse explanations for the cause of fibromyalgia. Some, for example, are exploring hormonal disturbances and chemical imbalances that affect nerve signaling. Other experts believe fibromyalgia with its deep muscle pain is linked to stress, illness, or trauma. Still others think there is a hereditary cause or say there is no explanation at all. But while there is no clear consensus about what causes fibromyalgia, most researchers believe fibromyalgia results not from a single event but from a combination of many physical and emotional…show more content…
The results of these tests show that fibromyalgia patients have impairments in working, episodic, and semantic memory that mimic about 20 years of aging. These patients have particular difficulty with memory when tasks are complex and their attention is divided. Cognitive symptoms in these patients may be exacerbated by the presence of depression, anxiety, sleep problems, endocrine disturbances, and pain, but the relationship of these factors to cognitive problems in fibromyalgia patients is unclear” (Glass, 2008). “One explanation why people with fibromyalgia may have cognitive difficulties is decreased levels of important neurotransmitters. There is evidence that FMS patients have significantly lower levels of serum serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for several functions including decreasing pain signals in the brain, initiating sleep, fighting depression, and increasing the ability to concentrate” (Verbunt,

More about Fibromyalgia Research Paper

Open Document