Dysautonomia, Fibromyalgia and reflex dystrophy
by J EisingerAugust 17, 2007
[Note: Dysautonomia is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is associated with bodily processes that are not consciously controlled. One type of dysautonomia would be postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) - a problem with the ability of the heart and circulatory system to make adjustments with a change in body position from prone to standing, for example.]
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction observed in Fibromyalgia, characterized without exception by a sympathetic hyperactivity and hyporeactivity, has been reported.
However, several studies demonstrated reduced levels of norepinephrine and neuropeptide Y at rest and after tilt table in some patients, which was improved by beta-stimulating agents. These findings support heterogeneity in Fibromyalgia-associated dysautonomia.
Fibromyalgia could be a generalized sympathetic dystrophy, since both conditions are activated by trauma and partly linked to sympathetic mechanisms.
Yet they differ on several points: hormonal and neurochemical abnormalities are observed in Fibromyalgia, whereas activation by peripheral trauma and hyperosteolysis are observed in reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
Journal: Arthritis Research & Therapy. 2007 Jul 6;9(4):105 [ E-publication ahead of print ] PMID: 17626612, by Eisinger J. Unit Infomyalgies, Centre Hospitalier, Toulon, France. [E-mail: infomyalgies@wanadoo.fr ]
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