Neurologist linked increased sensitivity to pain with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is not associated with tissue damage, but with a violation of the processing of pain signals by the nervous system, which causes patients to experience chronic pain with normal examination results. Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, a neurologist and expert at the Hemotest Laboratory, told Izvestia about this on May 12, World Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

According to the specialist, there are no specific tests or instrumental methods for diagnosing fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is made based on the patient's complaints, medical history and clinical picture, while additional tests, ultrasound or MRI are prescribed to exclude diseases with similar symptoms, including inflammatory joint diseases, thyroid disorders, as well as vitamin D and iron deficiency.

As Demyanovskaya noted, with fibromyalgia, pain can occur simultaneously in different parts of the body — in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, back, chest, arms and legs. It is often accompanied by increased fatigue, sleep disorders, sensitivity to noise and touch.

"For a long time, fibromyalgia was considered a far—fetched diagnosis - the symptoms were attributed to stress, the effects of previous illnesses, or even hypochondria. However, after a while, scientists were able to find out that with fibromyalgia, painful trigger points occur in the muscles and the processing of pain signals in the brain changes, which increases sensitivity to pain and ordinary stimuli are perceived as painful," the expert explained.

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The doctor clarified that with fibromyalgia, standard examinations often do not reveal serious abnormalities, since the disease is not associated with inflammation or tissue destruction. An additional diagnostic sign is considered to be painful trigger points in the muscles, the impact of which causes increased pain.

According to Demyanovskaya, fibromyalgia is usually referred to in cases where the pain persists for at least three months and is accompanied by memory impairment, decreased concentration and chronic fatigue.

The expert added that the basis of treatment is lifestyle correction. Moderate physical activity, consistent sleep and nutrition patterns, and work with a therapist are recommended to reduce the severity of symptoms. With severe manifestations of the disease, drugs that affect the functioning of the nervous system, including muscle relaxants, antidepressants and anticonvulsants, can be used.

On March 3, Demyanovskaya told Izvestia that hearing loss may be associated not only with ear diseases, but also with damage to the central nervous system. According to the specialist, one of the most common neurological causes of hearing impairment is the neurinoma of the auditory nerve, which is also called vestibular schwannoma.

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