The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Association (AFSA) is the nation’s
leading nonprofit organization dedicated to funding
research that accelerates the pace of medical discoveries
to improve the quality of life for patients with
fibromyalgia.
Through donations, AFSA supports
studies that seek out the causes and treatments for fibromyalgia (FM). This
is an extremely painful, fatiguing, and often debilitating medical condition
that affects 3-5 percent of the population. By stepping up research on FM,
AFSA and its generous contributors are working together to make a substantial
difference in the lives of millions.
AFSA is currently accepting research applications that focus on two key areas:
(1) identifying the possible causes or markers of this disease and
(2) evaluating new treatments. The deadline date is March 1, 2024.
A trial funded by AFSA showed that low-dose naltrexone (LDN) significantly relieved
FM pain in one-third of patients. This is better than any of the FDA-approved drugs
for the condition and the side effects are next to nil. Unlike most meds prescribed
for FM that alter the way the neurons work, LDN mostly targets the immune cells in
the nervous system.
Read more about the AFSA trial,
how LDN works, and other studies related to this
novel treatment approach to chronic pain. In addition, four FM treatment experts
offer advice on: Giving LDN Your Best Shot.
A better understanding of what is going on in the brain, including the microglia, is
essential for developing effective treatments for FM. What is causing the microglia
activation and are there any markers in the blood that may signal a disruption of
microglia function? Read about the most recent
AFSA-funded study designed to shed light on these questions.
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