Research shows that people with fibromyalgia have neural networks in the brain that can respond very quickly. This abnormal hypersensitivity, called explosive synchronization, can be observed in other network phenomena throughout nature.
Researchers at the University of Michigan report evidence of hypersensitivity of neurological pain pathways or “explosive synchronization” in the brains of people with fibromyalgia, a disease characterized by chronic widespread pain. This study is published in Scientific Reports.
” For the first time, this research shows that the hypersensitivity experienced by patients with chronic pain may result from hypersensitive brain networks ”says Richard Harris, co-lead author of the study. ” People had a state of excitement in pain pathways similar to networks that undergo explosive synchronization ”. Researchers say this is a promising avenue to explore to determine how a person develops fibromyalgia.
Networks ” electrically unstable “
The researchers recorded electrical activity in the brains of 10 patients with fibromyalgia. The results pointed to hypersensitive and unstable networks of neurological pathways in the brain, with an explosive response to the slightest stimulation. Importantly, there was a strong correlation between the degree of explosive synchronization and the self-reported intensity of chronic pain reported by patients.
” We see again that the chronic pain brain is electrically unstable and sensitive », Assures Dr. Harris. This type of modeling could help guide future treatments for fibromyalgia since explosive timings can be modeled outside the brain.
These regions of the brain could then be targeted with non-invasive brain modulation treatments.
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