STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Measurable Differences in Brain Structure

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Advanced voxel-based morphometry (VBM) meta-analysis reveals that fibromyalgia is associated with significant alterations in Gray Matter Volume (GMV) within the Middle Temporal Gyrus and the Cerebellum.

VOXEL-BASED MORPHOMETRY (VBM) MAPPING
Structural GMV Mapping
INCREASED GMV (MTG REGION) DECREASED GMV (CEREBELLUM)
CLINICAL CORRELATION

A) Multi-Planar Views: Mapping significant differences in Gray Matter Volume at specific z-axis coordinates (z=6, z=-27, z=-73).

B) 3D Topographic Projection: Visualising the concentration of altered density within the Cerebellum and Middle Temporal Gyrus (MTG).

• These findings represent objective, anatomical evidence of central nervous system reorganisation in chronic pain states.

EVIDENCE-BASED STRUCTURAL FINDINGS:

The meta-analysis identifies a "Common Brain Profile" across fibromyalgia patients characterised by dual-directional structural shifts.

The increase in Gray Matter Volume (Red) within the MTG is linked to the chronic processing of nociceptive (pain) signals and emotional distress. Conversely, the decrease in Gray Matter Volume (Cyan) within the Cerebellum reflects a reduction in the brain's capacity for sensory-motor integration and pain inhibition.

According to the research, these measurable anatomical changes provide biological proof of a reorganised central nervous system that has become hyper-sensitised to environmental and internal stimuli.

Structural Change is Real.
WHAT THIS MEANS

Fibromyalgia involves real, measurable changes in the brain,
it is not "all in your head."

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Primary Research Source

Jia, Z., Yuan, Y., Wang, Y., et al. (2023). Altered gray matter volume and white matter integrity in fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of MRI studies. Published in Arthritis Research & Therapy, 25(1), 154.

THE SCIENCE OF FIBROMYALGIA

Heightened Pain Processing
in Fibromyalgia

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Brain imaging shows that, under the same level of pressure,
the fibromyalgia brain has a much stronger response in pain-processing regions.

FIBROMYALGIA
4 KG/CM² PRESSURE APPLIED TO RIGHT THUMB
HEALTHY CONTROL
4 KG/CM² PRESSURE APPLIED TO RIGHT THUMB
ACTIVATION
(t-value)
86420
THE PAIN IS REAL
WHAT THIS MEANS

Fibromyalgia is a real, measurable condition associated with amplified pain processing in the brain.

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Primary Research Source

Gracely, R. H., Petzke, F., Wolf, J. M., Clauw, D. J., & Fitzcharles, M. A. (2009). Functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence of augmented pain processing in fibromyalgia. Published in PLOS ONE, 4(6).