The common link between functional somatic syndromes may be central sensitisation

Abstract Objectives Functional somatic syndromes are common and disabling conditions that all include chronic pain, and which may be related to central nervous system sensitisation. Here, we address the concept of central sensitisation as a physiological basis for the functional somatic syndromes. M...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of psychosomatic research 2015-03, Vol.78 (3), p.228-236
Main Authors: Bourke, Julius H, Langford, Richard M, White, Peter D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Central Nervous System Sensitization
Central sensitisation
Chronic pain
Functional somatic syndromes
Humans
Neurophysiology
Pain - physiopathology
Pain - psychology
Pain Measurement
Pathophysiology
Psychiatry
Psychophysiologic Disorders - physiopathology
Psychophysiologic Disorders - psychology
Syndrome
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Summary:Abstract Objectives Functional somatic syndromes are common and disabling conditions that all include chronic pain, and which may be related to central nervous system sensitisation. Here, we address the concept of central sensitisation as a physiological basis for the functional somatic syndromes. Methods A narrative review of the current literature on central sensitisation and physiological studies in the functional somatic syndromes. Results Central sensitisation may be a common neurophysiological process that is able to explain non-painful as well as painful symptoms in these disorders. Furthermore, central sensitisation may represent an endophenotypic vulnerability to the development of these syndromes that potentially explains why they cluster together. Conclusions Further research is needed to verify these findings, including prospective studies and the standardisation of combined methods of investigation in the study of central sensitisation in functional somatic syndromes. In turn, this may lead to new explanatory mechanisms and treatments being evaluated. Our conclusions add to the debate over the nomenclature of these syndromes but importantly also provide an explanation for our patients.
ISSN:0022-3999
1879-1360
DOI:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2015.01.003