Fibromyalgia Findings

Using SPECT scanning, Mountz et al., identified decreased blood flow in the thalamus and caudate nucleus. These are areas that generally modulate pain signals. In a 1995 article, the research group wrote: “...specific parts of the brain’s limbic system, the thalamus and caudate nucleus, have decreased blood flow. These areas seem to modulate pain by inhibiting incoming pain signals. If they are not functioning normally, they will not be able to inhibit pain signals. Fibromyalgia seems to ‘turn off’ these areas, which allows pain signals to continue uninhibited through the brain.” 9 We disagree with the suggestion that fibromyalgia has changed brain function. Rather, we assert that trauma of some type has changed the brain’s functioning, and the change is the cause of fibromyalgia. The thalamic area of the brain is especially vulnerable to physical damage from blunt and whiplash trauma.

http://www.neurotherapycenters.com/articles/Esty-FF2003.htm