Fibromyalgia: is it a neuropathic pain?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome of unclear pathophysiology. It is believed to be a dysfunction of the CNS, but no definite structural lesion has been identified so far. Despite a number of changes in the diagnostic criteria, diagnosis remains a clinical one.

Diagnosis and management of neuropathic pain.

A recent revision in the definition of neuropathic pain has highlighted this condition as a distinct disease entity. More accurate search for a lesion in the somatosensory nervous system as the pain-generating mechanism will help target the treatment by pharmacological agents. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended, with pharmacotherapy supplemented by psychological therapy and physical rehabilitation, and appropriate interventional treatment for selected refractory cases.