Log on / register
BioMed Central home | Journals A-Z | Feedback | Support | My details
Highly AccessEditorial

Dysautonomia, fibromyalgia and reflex dystrophy

Jean Eisinger email

Unit Infomyalgies, Centre Hospitalier, 83056 Toulon, France

author email corresponding author email

Arthritis Research & Therapy 2007, 9:105doi:10.1186/ar2212

Published: 6 July 2007


See related review by Martinez-Lavin, http://arthritis-research.com/content/9/4/216 and related letter by Fèlix and Fontenele, http://arthritis-research.com/content/9/5/404

Abstract

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.


© 1999-2008 BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated < info@arthritis-research.com >   Terms and conditions