1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue

Central Sensitization

By , About.com Guide

Updated December 06, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Sensitization is a gradual change in how your immune system reacts to a particular substance. The result of sensitization is an allergy.

In central sensitization, the entire central nervous system becomes sensitized to a stimulus. This is a proposed mechanism for many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, including the way the body amplifies pain signals.

Also Known As: Central sensitivity
Explore Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue
  4. Glossary
  5. Central Sensitization - Definition of Central Sensitization >

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.