Brain connectivity in CWP and high risk group
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating differences in brain connectivity between patients with chronic widespread pain, and individuals considered to be at high and low risk of symptom development
IRAS ID
180081
Contact name
Nayab Begum
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Chronic widespread pain is pain that lasts longer than 3 months extending all over the body and into the bones. It is the hallmark of fibromyalgia syndrome. It is very difficult to treat and early intervention improves treatment outcomes. We do not know the cause of fibromyalgia but research shows a number of changes in the brain are associated with the condition. Our research group has shown that these changes are common to other conditions like osteoarthritis pain. There are also changes in the strength of connections between different brain regions both when at rest and when epxeriencing an acute painful stimulus. These changes can be reversed following pain reducing interventions. We now want to look for changes in the brains of people considered at risk of developing the condition. This would help target early intervention strategies and would also tell us more about brain changes involved in fibromyalgia. Understanding the brain mechanisms underlying chronic pain is important for drug development and for guiding and monitoring therapies.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0536
Date of REC Opinion
7 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion