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The effects of multidisciplinary therapy on positron emission tomography of the brain in fibromyalgia: a pilot study

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Abstract

Aberrant central neurological functioning is believed to contribute to the abnormal sensations of fibromyalgia (FM). This pilot study sought to determine if alterations in regional brain metabolism from baseline occur in FM after undergoing a multidisciplinary therapeutic regimen. Regional brain metabolic activity was estimated using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG PET). Nine participants with FM received an 8-week comprehensive treatment program. Serial testing with 18FDG PET and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated Wilcoxon signed rank tests. A clinical improvement (FIQ median change 20.68, P = 0.005) was noted with treatment. With treatment, increases in brain metabolism were noted in various components of the limbic system (P = 0.004–0.1). An increase in limbic metabolism was noted with concomitant symptomatic improvement, suggesting that the limbic system attenuates FM symptoms.

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Acknowledgments

The study group would like to acknowledge the efforts of Teresa Hunt, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Nancy Shaw, Physical Therapist, and Daniel Frisch, Neuroscience Research Associate for their efforts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street, Washington, DC, 20010, USA

    Brian Walitt, Guiseppe Esposito, Frances Atkins & Arthur Weinstein

  2. National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving Street, Washington, DC, 20010, USA

    Tresa Roebuck-Spencer & Joseph Bleiberg

  3. MedStar Research Institute, 6495 New Hampshire Avenue, Suite 201, Hyattsville, MD, 20783, USA

    Gregory Foster

Authors
  1. Brian Walitt
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  2. Tresa Roebuck-Spencer
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  3. Guiseppe Esposito
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  4. Frances Atkins
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  5. Joseph Bleiberg
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  6. Gregory Foster
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  7. Arthur Weinstein
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Correspondence to Brian Walitt.

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Walitt, B., Roebuck-Spencer, T., Esposito, G. et al. The effects of multidisciplinary therapy on positron emission tomography of the brain in fibromyalgia: a pilot study. Rheumatol Int 27, 1019–1024 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-007-0405-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-007-0405-7

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