More Evidence of Brain Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia
NEWSBRIEF: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy shows that women with fibromyalgia (FMS) have different levels of brain chemicals in the hippocampus than healthy women have, according to a paper published in the Journal of Rheumatology.
The hippocampus is buried deep in the front of your brain is is involved in regulating your memory, emotions, sleep and pain perception.
Researchers from Cairo University in Egypt looked at levels of N- acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline and creatine, and also examined the ratios of these substances to each other. They also assessed participants':
- Sleep patterns
- Cognitive function
- Depression symptoms
- Number of tender points
- Overall pain levels
In the women with FMS, they discovered lower NAA levels; higher choline levels in the right hippocampus; lower NAA/choline and NAA/creatine ratios. Language difficulties seemed to correlated with choline and creatine levels, but the number of tender points did not.
Researchers say this suggests a metabolic dysfunction in the hippocampus may be causing some of the symptoms of FMS.
Related Content: What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Comments
Huh… How would they *treat* that? I’m glad they’re gaining more of an understanding.
This is interesting because for many years I have used 2 Benadryl clear capsules at night to help with sleep and release muscle knots and pain. Benadryl blocks histamine and choline. If our choline is too high according to the article, Benadryl could be reducing the amount to normal and that could be why it works so well for me. Benadryl is a known “anticholinergic” medication.