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April 18, 2006

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome : Diagnosis, Research and Treatments


Chronic Fatigue Syndrome : Diagnosis, Research and Treatments
are in full text and from well know medical journals like The Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, JAMA, We also offer a free announcement list and links to polular chronic fatigue syndrome



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Health Beat - April 12, 2006


Health Beat - April 12, 2006
Texarkana Gazette, TX - Apr 13, 2006... The Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome Support Group meets at 6 pm ... at the Hempstead County Senior Center, 104 South Main in Hope, Ark. ...

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A time for Lyme


A time for Lyme
Sioux City Journal - Teresa Wolff, left, talks about living with Lyme disease along with her physician, Dr. Kristine Danner, at the Siouxland Commmunity Health Center in Sioux City. (Staff photo by Jerry Mennenga ) Spring bites. It is a season that most of us embrace

A healing touch: The claims and concerns surrounding alternative
Waco Tribune-Herald - Alternative medicine. What many in past generations considered a bunch of high-dollar voodoo nonsense is now accepted as a testament to the human body s recuperative power. More than one-third of Americans take part in what the National Center for



How to Choose a Doctor


How to Choose a Doctor
Title: How to Choose a Doctor
Category: Doctor's Views
Created: 6/17/2005
Last Editorial Review: 8/9/2005

Parkinson's Drug Eases Fibromyalgia Pain
Title: Parkinson's Drug Eases Fibromyalgia Pain
Category: Health News
Created: 7/30/2005 1:59:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/30/2005 1:59:30 AM

Arthritis, Fibromyalgia Study Seeks Volunteers
Title: Arthritis, Fibromyalgia Study Seeks Volunteers
Category: Health News
Created: 3/7/2006 1:58:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 3/7/2006 1:58:03 AM

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April 15, 2006

Temporomandibular joint disorder and other medically unexplained symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.


Temporomandibular joint disorder and other medically unexplained symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Temporomandibular joint disorder and other medically unexplained symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.

J Rheumatol. 2005 Dec;32(12):2288-90

Authors: Smythe HA

PMID: 16331751 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



[Clinical and psychosocial characteristics of subjects with fibromyalgia. Impact of the diagnosis on patients' activities]
Related Articles

[Clinical and psychosocial characteristics of subjects with fibromyalgia. Impact of the diagnosis on patients' activities]

Rev Esp Salud Publica. 2005 Nov-Dec;79(6):683-95

Authors: Ubago Linares Mdel C, Ruiz P rez I, Bermejo P rez MJ, Olry de Labry Lima A, Plazaola Casta o J

BACKGROUND: Little is known today about the characteristics of individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia, their degree of disability and the health system response system response to this condition. The objectives of this work include: to establish the sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial profile of male and female patients with fibromyalgia. To describe the response they receive from the health service, and to study the repercussions of this syndrome on the daily activities of subjects who suffer it, including its effects on their work environment. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study. The information was received from telephone interviews of individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia in the Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves in Granada during 2003. RESULTS: 92.1% of those interviewed were women. Fibromyalgia caused work absenteeism in 31.4% of cases; and 64% regarded their health as poor or very poor. Fibromyalgia was associated with other diseases in 52.3% of cases. The family doctor is the specialist consulted before diagnosis in 92.1% of cases. A total of 50.5% had a history of psychiatric disorders, these were still present at the time of interview in 36.4%. Around 71% of the sample received family support, and 70.1% of cases considered the disease to seriously affect their environment. CONCLUSIONS: Fibromyalgia was mainly diagnosed in women. Subjects with this syndrome have a poor perception of their own health and work situation, and it negatively affects their family environment.

PMID: 16457060 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Distraction as a key determinant of impaired memory in patients with fibromyalgia.
Related Articles

Distraction as a key determinant of impaired memory in patients with fibromyalgia.

J Rheumatol. 2006 Jan;33(1):127-32

Authors: Leavitt F, Katz RS

OBJECTIVE: Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) frequently complain of poor memory, severe enough to affect job performance and to lead to disability. Yet common practices in neurocognitive examinations often fail to document cognitive abnormalities that match the severity of their memory complaints. Often, neuropsychologists gauge memory competence with measures free of distraction and produce high rates of normality on neurocognitive examination. We hypothesized that neurocognitive tests encoded with a source of stimulus competition that interferes with the processing and/or absorption of information would be better than others in gauging FM memory competence. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with FM and 35 controls, matched for age and sex, and presenting with complaints of memory loss, completed cognitive measures with and without stimulus competition. RESULTS: Eleven (31.4%) patients with FM showed impairment on at least one measure of memory encoded free of stimulus competition. By comparison, 30 (85.7%) showed impairment on at least one measure encoded with a source of stimulus competition. The Auditory Consonant Trigram detected impairment in 29 (82.6%) cases, and was by far the most sensitive measure. FM patients lost information at a 58% rate following a 9 second distraction. This loss was disproportionate to the loss shown by both age matched controls with memory problems (40%) and to normative values (20%) based on individuals free of memory problems. CONCLUSION: The findings validate the perception of failing memory in patients with FM and are the first psychometric based evidence to our knowledge of short-term memory problems in FM linked to interference from a source of distraction. Adding a source of distraction caused the majority of FM patients to retain new information poorly, and may be integral to an understanding of FM memory problems. Much needs to be learned about why new information is disproportionately lost by FM populations when a source of distraction enters the experiential field.

PMID: 16395760 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Depression in chronic migraine: severity and clinical features.
Related Articles

Depression in chronic migraine: severity and clinical features.

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2005 Jun;63(2A):217-20

Authors: Mercante JP, Peres MF, Guendler V, Zukerman E, Bernik MA

INTRODUCTION: Chronic migraine (CM) is a common medical condition affecting 2.4% of the general population. Depression is one of the most frequent comorbid disorders in CM. METHOD: Seventy patients diagnosed with chronic migraine were studied. All patients evaluated filled out the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Depression severity was divided into none or minimal depression, mild, moderate, and severe. RESULTS: BDI ranged from 4 to 55, mean 21 +/- 10.7. Moderate or severe depression, were present in 58.7% of the patients. Some degree of depression appeared in 85.8% of patients. The BDI scores correlated with pain intensity (p = 0.02). Severe depression was more frequent in patients with comorbid fibromyalgia and in patients reporting fatigue. CONCLUSION: The BDI is an easy tool to access depression in CM patients. Suicide risk assessment is needed in CM patients. Patients with fibromyalgia and fatigue are at even higher risk for severe depression.

PMID: 16100965 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]





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Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life.


Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life.
Related Articles

Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life.

Eur J Pain. 2006 Jan;10(1):51-5

Authors: Husser D, Bollmann A, K hne C, Molling J, Klein HU

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of coronary angiograms are negative for significant coronary artery disease and patients are classified as having noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). So far, no systematic diagnostic approach to patients with NCCP investigating for possible esophageal, psychiatric and musculoskeletal abnormalities exists. Furthermore, coping strategies and quality of life are poorly characterized in NCCP patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A simple diagnostic approach was applied to 37 consecutive patients (21 female, age 61+/-12 years) with angina-like chest pain and normal coronary angiograms. Twenty-one patients were found to suffer from psychiatric disorders (combined anxiety (A) and depression (D): n = 10, D: n = 5, panic disorder (P): n = 3, somatization (S): n = 3) based on their Symptom Check List 90 scores and according to DSM IV-R criteria. Sixteen patients had an improvement of their chest pain after oral esomeprazole (40 mg for 7 days) and were therefore diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Musculoskeletal abnormalities including chostochondritis (n = 4), thoracic spondylodynia (n = 1), and fibromyalgia (n = 1) were found in six patients. Multiple diagnoses were confirmed in six patients with GERD (additional D n = 3, additional musculoskeletal disorders n = 3). Patients with psychiatric disorders showed a diminished quality of life (MOS-SF 36), more frequent chest pain, less treatment satisfaction (Seattle Angina Questionnaire) and more rumination (Trier Coping Scales) compared to GERD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate combined psychiatric and orthopedic evaluation as well as esomeprazole administration following exclusion of coronary artery disease may confirm the causes of noncardiac chest pain. Identification of psychiatric disorders seems especially warranted since these patients experience a reduced quality of life and exhibit pathologic coping strategies.

PMID: 16291298 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]




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What's Holding Up the Sandman?


What's Holding Up the Sandman?
New York Times - Americans' use of sleeping pills is skyrocketing, up nearly 60 percent since 2000, with about 42 million prescriptions filled last year. Experts surmise that "modern lifestyles" and the accompanying stress of too much to do in too little time are

Books : The Miracle Ball Method : Relieve Your Pain, Reshape Your Body
Science Daily - Take two-they're small. And they perform miracles. Suffering a career-ending, potentially crippling injury to her back and right leg, a young dancer named Elaine Petrone tried everyone from orthopedists to yogis to turn her pain and prognosis around



American Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting to be Held May 3 6 in San Antonio 


American Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting to be Held May 3 6 in San Antonio 
> American Pain Society Annual Scientific Meeting to be held May 3 - 6, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio

Health Calendar 
Hy-Vee Lighten Up Iowa/Illinois . Hy-Vee dietitians will conduct weight management classes each month through May. Classes will focus on a variety of weight loss topics.

Health calendar 
TODAY

A TANGLED WEB 
Brick resident Barbara A. Yodice was already struggling with one autoimmune disease in September of 2000 sarcoidosis when she was diagnosed with another myasthenia gravis.

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April 12, 2006

Health Notes


Health Notes
Hampton Union - SENIOR CITIZEN Prescriptioin Assistance Day is Wednesday, April 19. Seniors who have their prescriptions filled at the Epping Wal-Mart will receive a $10 Wal-Mart gift certificate to be used toward their prescription or for anything else in the store

Health Calendar
Asheville Citizen-Times - Send items for the health calendar at least two weeks in advance to Health Calendar, Asheville Citizen-Times, P.O. Box 2090, Asheville, NC 28802; fax to 251-0585, or e-mail them to Jason Sandford at jsandford@CITIZEN-TIMES.com . WISDOM AND THE AGING

Books : The Miracle Ball Method : Relieve Your Pain, Reshape Your Body
Science Daily - Take two-they're small. And they perform miracles. Suffering a career-ending, potentially crippling injury to her back and right leg, a young dancer named Elaine Petrone tried everyone from orthopedists to yogis to turn her pain and prognosis around



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Health & Fitness


Health & Fitness
Burke Connection, VA - Apr 6, 2006... cure disease using a variety of nutritional strategies. ... anxiety and has treated many Fibromyalgia /Chronic fatigue ... giving tips while developing coping skills. ...

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ADULT CLASSES, WORKSHOPS See Health, Support and Exercise 


ADULT CLASSES, WORKSHOPS See Health, Support and Exercise 
Please note: The deadline for submissions is Wednesdays, 5 p.m. March 22-23-AARP 55 ALIVE driver safety program at Juniata Park Older Adult Center, 1251 E. Sedgley Ave., noon-4 p.m. $10 pp. 215-685-1490.

Evidence Of Estrogen And Progesterone Hormone Allergy Discovered 
Some women with menstrual cycle disorders like asthma and migraine headaches may be experiencing allergies to their own estrogen and progesterone hormones, Texas researchers have discovered.

Chronic pain: When no physical cause can be found 
Chronic pain sometimes develops for no apparent reason but the pain is very real. Consider possible causes and ways to reclaim your life.

Solving the mystery of fibromyalgia 
You go to the doctor complaining of throbbing, burning muscle pain throughout your body, overwhelming fatigue, and anxiety that makes it extremely difficult to do even the everyday things like housecleaning, playing with the kids and exercising.

Health Calendar 
Hy-Vee Lighten Up Iowa/Illinois . Hy-Vee dietitians will conduct weight management classes each month through May. Classes will focus on a variety of weight loss topics.



Perception of electrocutaneous stimuli in irritable bowel syndrome.


Perception of electrocutaneous stimuli in irritable bowel syndrome.
Related Articles

Perception of electrocutaneous stimuli in irritable bowel syndrome.

Am J Gastroenterol. 2006 Mar;101(3):596-603

Authors: Iovino P, Tremolaterra F, Consalvo D, Sabbatini F, Mazzacca G, Ciacci C

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are common conditions with some similarities, but different perceptual responses to somatic and visceral stimuli. The purpose of this study was to assess in a large group of IBS patients the somatic perception by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and its relation to the level of severity and presence of FMS. METHODS: In 99 patients grouped by the validated functional bowel disorder severity index (FBDSI) in mild, moderate, and severe IBS and in 33 healthy controls (HC), we studied discomfort thresholds and perception of somatic stimuli at control (hands and elbows) and active (trapezius) sites by TENS and by using a specific questionnaire. RESULTS: The use of TENS showed that IBS showed significant higher thresholds and lower perception cumulative score compared to HC. The severity of IBS is significantly associated with age and mean control site values for discomfort and borderline associated with gender in the ordinal model constructed for the ascending series protocol. The severity of IBS is also significantly associated with the active cumulative perception score in the long stimulus protocol. Due to limited sample size of IBS men with FMS, analyses of discomfort thresholds and cumulative perception score by FMS were done only for women. IBS women without FMS had significantly higher mean control site values for discomfort and significantly lower active cumulative perception score than HC. IBS women with FMS had significantly lower mean active site values for discomfort thresholds than IBS women without FMS (Dunn's test p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IBS patients showed somatic hypoalgesia to electrical stimuli. The severity of IBS and the presence of FMS influence the perception of somatic stimuli induced by TENS.

PMID: 16464229 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



The ostrich strategy towards affective issues in alexithymic patients with fibromyalgia.
Related Articles

The ostrich strategy towards affective issues in alexithymic patients with fibromyalgia.

Patient Educ Couns. 2006 Feb;60(2):97-9

Authors: Geenen R, van Middendorp H

PMID: 16426801 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Salivary cortisol response after a medical interview: the impact of physician communication behaviour, depressed affect and alexithymia.

Salivary cortisol response after a medical interview: the impact of physician communication behaviour, depressed affect and alexithymia.

Patient Educ Couns. 2006 Feb;60(2):115-24

Authors: Finset A, Graugaard PK, Holgersen K

OBJECTIVE: To explore if - and possibly how - a medical interview may affect adrenocortical activity in musculo-skeletal pain patients with and without alexithymia. METHODS: Female patients (N = 54) recruited from a patient organization for fibromyalgia completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and subgroups with, respectively, low and high scores were selected for participation. Seven physicians conducted consultations attempting to vary their communication in accordance with given guidelines. All consultations were videotaped and analysed by The Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS) to evaluate the actual content of the consultations. RESULTS: An increase in depressed affect from pre- to post-interview was associated with relatively high cortisol levels 24 h after the consultation, but only in patients with alexithymia. Psychosocial questions from the physician were associated with increased depressed affect immediately following the interview, but not with cortisol responses at any time. CONCLUSION: In patients with deficient affect regulation, increase in depressed affect after a medical interview may be associated with delayed effects in adrenocortical activity, possibly mediated by rumination. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Providers should be sensitive to potential deficits of affect regulation in their patients.

PMID: 16386400 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Find a clinical trial for Myofascial Pain Syndrome


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Q909. How common is fibromyalgia in children and where can we find a


Q909. How common is fibromyalgia in children and where can we find a
Better Health Channel - Fibromyalgia syndrome is most common in midlife, but may be seen at any age. Its prevalence in healthy children is not exactly known, but some studies indicate that around 5 per cent of children may show signs of muscle tenderness that could indicate

What's Holding Up the Sandman?
New York Times - Americans' use of sleeping pills is skyrocketing, up nearly 60 percent since 2000, with about 42 million prescriptions filled last year. Experts surmise that "modern lifestyles" and the accompanying stress of too much to do in too little time are

Health calendar and support groups
Orange County Register - "Lunch and Learn." Informational lunch on back pain, arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center, 9920 Talbert Ave., Fountain Valley. Reservations: (800) MEMORIAL " Metabolic Syndrome

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April 05, 2006

Human-to-human transmission of bird flu difficult as virus infects lung cells: studies 


Human-to-human transmission of bird flu difficult as virus infects lung cells: studies 
Even though bird flu is threatening the health of human beings across the world, so far it hasn't been able to take the human-to-human transmission route. Over 170 humans worldwide have been infected by the H5N1 virus, out of which 92 succumbed to the disease. However, the patients did not end up infecting other humans who were in close contact with them. Now, two studies have found the reason

Evidence of estrogen and progesterone hormone allergy discovered 
Some women with menstrual cycle disorders like asthma and migraine headaches may be experiencing allergies to their own estrogen and progesterone hormones, Texas researchers have discovered.

Solving the mystery of fibromyalgia 
You go to the doctor complaining of throbbing, burning muscle pain throughout your body, overwhelming fatigue, and anxiety that makes it extremely difficult to do even the everyday things like housecleaning, playing with the kids and exercising.



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Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life.


Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life.
Related Articles

Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life.

Eur J Pain. 2006 Jan;10(1):51-5

Authors: Husser D, Bollmann A, K hne C, Molling J, Klein HU

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of coronary angiograms are negative for significant coronary artery disease and patients are classified as having noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). So far, no systematic diagnostic approach to patients with NCCP investigating for possible esophageal, psychiatric and musculoskeletal abnormalities exists. Furthermore, coping strategies and quality of life are poorly characterized in NCCP patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A simple diagnostic approach was applied to 37 consecutive patients (21 female, age 61+/-12 years) with angina-like chest pain and normal coronary angiograms. Twenty-one patients were found to suffer from psychiatric disorders (combined anxiety (A) and depression (D): n = 10, D: n = 5, panic disorder (P): n = 3, somatization (S): n = 3) based on their Symptom Check List 90 scores and according to DSM IV-R criteria. Sixteen patients had an improvement of their chest pain after oral esomeprazole (40 mg for 7 days) and were therefore diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Musculoskeletal abnormalities including chostochondritis (n = 4), thoracic spondylodynia (n = 1), and fibromyalgia (n = 1) were found in six patients. Multiple diagnoses were confirmed in six patients with GERD (additional D n = 3, additional musculoskeletal disorders n = 3). Patients with psychiatric disorders showed a diminished quality of life (MOS-SF 36), more frequent chest pain, less treatment satisfaction (Seattle Angina Questionnaire) and more rumination (Trier Coping Scales) compared to GERD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate combined psychiatric and orthopedic evaluation as well as esomeprazole administration following exclusion of coronary artery disease may confirm the causes of noncardiac chest pain. Identification of psychiatric disorders seems especially warranted since these patients experience a reduced quality of life and exhibit pathologic coping strategies.

PMID: 16291298 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]




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Sachs Associates 5th Annual North American Forum: Investing & Partnering in Biotech Presenter Profiles 


Sachs Associates 5th Annual North American Forum: Investing & Partnering in Biotech Presenter Profiles 
BOSTON----March 9, 2006--Sachs Associates 5th Annual North American Forum: Investing & Partnering in Biotech takes place Mar. 13 - 14, 2006, at The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston.

Health calendar 
American Red Cross, Blood Services, Alabama Region-Birmingham Ridge Park Donor Center, 1130 22nd St. South, Suite 1000, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. today-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.

Lyme disease: Easily cured or insidious chronic infection? 
Like the flu, it hit hard and fast. David Martz could hardly get out of bed. "I knew something real serious was wrong." Martz, a doctor, fell ill in April 2003. He was hospitalized for two weeks and underwent "every test known to man." He got worse, but weeks and months went by before he was told the bad news.

Health calendar 
American Red Cross, Blood Services, Alabama Region-Birmingham Ridge Park Donor Center, 1130 22nd Street South, Suite 1000, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. today-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.

Health Calendar 
Hy-Vee Lighten Up Iowa/Illinois . Hy-Vee dietitians will conduct weight management classes each month through May. Classes will focus on a variety of weight loss topics.



Fibromyalgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome.


Fibromyalgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome.
Related Articles

Fibromyalgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome.

J Rheumatol. 2006 Apr;33(4):827c-827

Authors: Martinez-Lavin M

PMID: 16583491 [PubMed - in process]



Find a clinical trial for Myofascial Pain Syndrome


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Winchester Hospital welcomes new massage therapists


Winchester Hospital welcomes new massage therapists
Lexington Winchester Star, MA - Mar 29, 2006... techniques. He also has specialized training using massage therapy to treat patients with pain conditions such as fibromyalgia. ...

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Fibromyalgia -- Topic Overview


Fibromyalgia -- Topic Overview
... What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a long-term problem that causes pain in the muscles and ... What causes fibromyalgia? There are theories as to what may cause fibromyalgia, but at ...

Fibromyalgia: causes
patty; the most common and characteristic symptoms of fibromyalgia are these four; -generalized pain -stiffness -fatigue -poor sleep there are many more as well,but each person is different in the symptoms; other events have been ... are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia > Fibromyalgia > causes. Topic: Fibromyalgia ...



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Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life.


Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life.
Related Articles

Evaluation of noncardiac chest pain: diagnostic approach, coping strategies and quality of life.

Eur J Pain. 2006 Jan;10(1):51-5

Authors: Husser D, Bollmann A, K hne C, Molling J, Klein HU

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of coronary angiograms are negative for significant coronary artery disease and patients are classified as having noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). So far, no systematic diagnostic approach to patients with NCCP investigating for possible esophageal, psychiatric and musculoskeletal abnormalities exists. Furthermore, coping strategies and quality of life are poorly characterized in NCCP patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A simple diagnostic approach was applied to 37 consecutive patients (21 female, age 61+/-12 years) with angina-like chest pain and normal coronary angiograms. Twenty-one patients were found to suffer from psychiatric disorders (combined anxiety (A) and depression (D): n = 10, D: n = 5, panic disorder (P): n = 3, somatization (S): n = 3) based on their Symptom Check List 90 scores and according to DSM IV-R criteria. Sixteen patients had an improvement of their chest pain after oral esomeprazole (40 mg for 7 days) and were therefore diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Musculoskeletal abnormalities including chostochondritis (n = 4), thoracic spondylodynia (n = 1), and fibromyalgia (n = 1) were found in six patients. Multiple diagnoses were confirmed in six patients with GERD (additional D n = 3, additional musculoskeletal disorders n = 3). Patients with psychiatric disorders showed a diminished quality of life (MOS-SF 36), more frequent chest pain, less treatment satisfaction (Seattle Angina Questionnaire) and more rumination (Trier Coping Scales) compared to GERD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate combined psychiatric and orthopedic evaluation as well as esomeprazole administration following exclusion of coronary artery disease may confirm the causes of noncardiac chest pain. Identification of psychiatric disorders seems especially warranted since these patients experience a reduced quality of life and exhibit pathologic coping strategies.

PMID: 16291298 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]




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The lower limb flexion reflex in humans.


The lower limb flexion reflex in humans.
Related Articles

The lower limb flexion reflex in humans.

Prog Neurobiol. 2005 Dec;77(6):353-95

Authors: Sandrini G, Serrao M, Rossi P, Romaniello A, Cruccu G, Willer JC

The flexion or flexor reflex (FR) recorded in the lower limbs in humans (LLFR) is a widely investigated neurophysiological tool. It is a polysynaptic and multisegmental spinal response that produces a withdrawal of the stimulated limb and resembles (having several features in common) the hind-paw FR in animals. The FR, in both animals and humans, is mediated by a complex circuitry modulated at spinal and supraspinal level. At rest, the LLFR (usually obtained by stimulating the sural/tibial nerve and by recording from the biceps femoris/tibial anterior muscle) appears as a double burst composed of an early, inconstantly present component, called the RII reflex, and a late, larger and stable component, called the RIII reflex. Numerous studies have shown that the afferents mediating the RII reflex are conveyed by large-diameter, low-threshold, non-nociceptive A-beta fibers, and those mediating the RIII reflex by small-diameter, high-threshold nociceptive A-delta fibers. However, several afferents, including nociceptive and non-nociceptive fibers from skin and muscles, have been found to contribute to LLFR activation. Since the threshold of the RIII reflex has been shown to correspond to the pain threshold and the size of the reflex to be related to the level of pain perception, it has been suggested that the RIII reflex might constitute a useful tool to investigate pain processing at spinal and supraspinal level, pharmacological modulation and pathological pain conditions. As stated in EFNS guidelines, the RIII reflex is the most widely used of all the nociceptive reflexes, and appears to be the most reliable in the assessment of treatment efficacy. However, the RIII reflex use in the clinical evaluation of neuropathic pain is still limited. In addition to its nocifensive function, the LLFR seems to be linked to posture and locomotion. This may be explained by the fact that its neuronal circuitry, made up of a complex pool of interneurons, is interposed in motor control and, during movements, receives both peripheral afferents (flexion reflex afferents, FRAs) and descending commands, forming a multisensorial feedback mechanism and projecting the output to motoneurons. LLFR excitability, mediated by this complex circuitry, is finely modulated in a state- and phase-dependent manner, rather as we observe in the FR in animal models. Several studies have demonstrated that LLFR excitability may be influenced by numerous physiological conditions (menstrual cycle, stress, attention, sleep and so on) and pathological states (spinal lesions, spasticity, Wallenberg's syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches and so on). Finally, the LLFR is modulated by several drugs and neurotransmitters. In summary, study of the LLFR in humans has proved to be an interesting functional window onto the spinal and supraspinal mechanisms of pain processing and onto the spinal neural control mechanisms operating during posture and locomotion.

PMID: 16386347 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome in migraine patients.
Related Articles

Prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome in migraine patients.

Cephalalgia. 2006 Apr;26(4):451-6

Authors: Ifergane G, Buskila D, Simiseshvely N, Zeev K, Cohen H

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown aetiology characterized by diffuse pain over more than 3 months and tenderness in specific sites named tender points. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of FMS among patients suffering from episodic migraine. Ninety-two consecutive patients (20 male, 72 female) fulfilling the International Headache Society criteria for migraine with and without aura from a tertiary headache clinic were evaluated. A headache and generalized pain history was recorded, tender points were evaluated by thumb palpation. The diagnosis of FMS was made based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for FMS. Sixteen (22.2%) of the female patients and none of the male patients were diagnosed as suffering from FMS. Migraine severity and characteristics were similar to other female migraine patients. Patients suffering from migraine-FMS had lower quality of life scores and higher levels of mental distress. A high incidence of FMS was found among female migraine patients but not in males. The coexistence of FMS should be considered when choosing a prophylactic migraine therapy.

PMID: 16556247 [PubMed - in process]



Harmful impact of EU clinical trials directive: trial of alerting drug in fibromyalgia has had to be abandoned...
Related Articles

Harmful impact of EU clinical trials directive: trial of alerting drug in fibromyalgia has had to be abandoned...

BMJ. 2006 Mar 18;332(7542):666

Authors: Hanning CD, Rentowl P

PMID: 16543347 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]





Health calendar 


Health calendar 
A weekly list of classes, workshops and other health-related events.

I Was a Middle-Aged Guinea Pig 
In my underwear, I lay on a crinkly runner of white paper draped over an examining table. A nurse I'd come to know too well punched holes near my left ankle and lifted out two bloody scraps of skin.

Do not suffer in silence 
This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press on Monday, March 27, 2006. Imagine having a horribly painful, recurring disease for which there is no cure - a disease that inhibits your ability to work, interact with your family, even your love life.

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April 04, 2006

Evidence of estrogen and progesterone hormone allergy discovered


Evidence of estrogen and progesterone hormone allergy discovered
News-Medical.net, Australia - 13 hours ago... "The primary disorders are premenstrual asthma, menstrual migraines, interstitial cystitis and fibromyalgia. We have no idea what causes these things, but they ...



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CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help - Key 1 - Acceptance & Hope


CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help - Key 1 - Acceptance & Hope
What is realistic hope for someone with CFIDS or fibromyalgia? While it is reasonable to hope that a cure may be developed some day, at present neither ...

Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
I hope this website will help you in all of these ways. Katrina Berne. TABLE OF CONTENTS ... Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, and other disorders ...

Fibromyalgia: Fustrated needing a glimmer of hope
Hi Jo...I certainly realize your frustration in trying to get a proper diagnosis. It took me eight months to finally get my dx of fibromyalgia; ...

Wh le Health Magazine
Fibromyalgia Hope: A New Treatment. by Shirley Jean Schmidt, MA, LPC. What if fibromyalgia is the body s reaction to chronic, ...

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HealthCheck Reports: March 2006


HealthCheck Reports: March 2006
WPVI - "Dinosaurs were not the very first animals on Earth." Dinosaurs fascinate Christopher Sukiel. In fact, when his 2nd grade class at Cold Springs School was learning all about them, Christopher gave the introduction. Mary Motolese/Gloucester City

Just for the health of it
Vermilion Standard - Vermilion Standard From ashtanga yoga to zinc supplements, practitioners and partipants in health care have begun to view health as more than just an annual visit to a physician. Alternative methods for living well have begun to pop up around

ETSU physician named to federal panel on women's health
Kingsport Times-News - Dr. Susan Sloan, ETSU James H. Quillen College of Medicine, has been appointed to a National Institutes of Health panel on women's health. Photo courtesy of ETSU. JOHNSON CITY - An East Tennessee State University physician has been named to a federal



Referred pain and hyperalgesia in human tendon and muscle belly tissue.


Referred pain and hyperalgesia in human tendon and muscle belly tissue.
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Referred pain and hyperalgesia in human tendon and muscle belly tissue.

Pain. 2006 Jan;120(1-2):113-23

Authors: Gibson W, Arendt-Nielsen L, Graven-Nielsen T

The sensitivity of tendon and tendon-bone junction is not fully described although these tissues have high clinical impacts. This study assessed (1) pain intensity and referred pain caused by hypertonic saline injection to the proximal tendon-bone junction (PTBJ), tendon and muscle belly sites of tibialis anterior muscle and (2) pressure pain sensitivity, pre, during and post hypertonic saline injections. Eighteen subjects (14 males and 4 females) participated. Subjects also had constant mechanical stimulation for 120s at 130% of baseline pressure pain threshold (PPT) during which VAS parameters were recorded. VAS parameters after hypertonic saline for PTBJ (VAS area, VAS peak), and tendon sites (VAS area, duration and time to maximum VAS) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than muscle belly. During hypertonic saline pain all three sites displayed local and frequently enlarged and referred pain areas. Hypertonic saline pain at the PTBJ and tendon transiently increased pressure sensitivity at these sites (P < 0.05). When referred pain was caused by mechanical stimulation it occurred predominantly at the PTBJ and tendon sites (86% cases). Constant mechanical stimulation caused steadily increasing pain (summation of pain) at all sites. Hypertonic saline pain at the tendon and PTBJ caused significantly higher (P < 0.001) final VAS scores compared to the muscle belly site. The results indicate the PTBJ and tendon sites are more sensitive and susceptible to sensitisation by hypertonic saline than muscle belly. Furthermore, there may be site specific central changes reflected by the differences in the results regarding sensitivity and summation over time.

PMID: 16359798 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Increased Expression of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Subunit 2D in the Skin of Patients with Fibromyalgia.
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Increased Expression of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Subunit 2D in the Skin of Patients with Fibromyalgia.

J Rheumatol. 2006 Apr;33(4):785-8

Authors: Kim SH, Jang TJ, Moon IS

OBJECTIVE: We studied the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in skin of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) to investigate their role. METHODS: The presence of NMDAR subtype 2B (NR2B) and subtype 2D (NR2D) was examined in skin tissues by immunohistochemistry and immunoblot. Skin tissues from 11 female patients with FM were examined and compared to those of 8 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: NR2D expression was increased in the skin of patients with FM versus controls. There was no difference in the expression of NR2B between FM patients and controls. CONCLUSION: The increased expression of NMDAR found in FM skin could be indicative of a more generalized increase in other peripheral nerves. This suggests that NR2D-selective antagonists may have implications in the treatment of allodynia in patients with FM.

PMID: 16583480 [PubMed - in process]



Fibromyalgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome.
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Fibromyalgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome.

J Rheumatol. 2006 Apr;33(4):827c-827

Authors: Martinez-Lavin M

PMID: 16583491 [PubMed - in process]



[The semiotics of fibromyalgia and related somatoform disorders]
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[The semiotics of fibromyalgia and related somatoform disorders]

Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. 2005 Dec 14;94(50):1999-2002

Authors: Hadler NM

PMID: 16381451 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]



Find a clinical trial for Myofascial Pain Syndrome


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Doctor tackles fibromyalgia tonight 


Doctor tackles fibromyalgia tonight 
WVIA-TV Channel 44s Call the Doctor will focus on fibromyalgia and its treatment tonight at 7.

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