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Topic

Pain and Sensitization

Domain: Neurology

Central sensitization, widespread pain, and allodynia in ME/CFS patients.

What We Know

  • Quantitative sensory testing shows central sensitization in ME/CFS. Widespread musculoskeletal pain and hypersensitivity to stimuli (light, sound, touch) are common. Pain overlaps with fibromyalgia in many patients.

What We Think

  • Neuroimaging studies examining pain processing networks and glial activation in chronic pain are being applied to ME/CFS.

What We Don't Know

  • The mechanisms of central sensitization in ME/CFS are poorly understood. It is unclear whether pain is a primary feature or secondary to other pathology.

Studies in this Topic

Research in this area is being catalogued. Check back soon.