Etiopathogenesis of Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread pain, and it is often accompanied by various symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood changes, cognitive dysfunction, and several somatic symptoms. The etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia remains poorly understood, but it is thought to be caused by complex interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and biological factors. Emerging evidence suggests that central sensitization, which is characterized by impairment in the processes of pain perception, transmission, and modulation, plays an important role in fibromyalgia. Although various treatments have been used for fibromyalgia, patients still suffer from uncontrolled symptoms. Fibromyalgia still has many challenges to be solved. In this review, we discuss existing evidence on the etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia.