A brain disorder associated with fibromyaglia may cause intense pain episodes, according to a study conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Michigan.

Fibromyaliga (FM), a chronic pain disorder, can lead to several health complications, including drowsiness, memory problems and sensitivity to temperature. Previous studies have also found that these patients have more complex brain networks, which may be on the causes of these side effects.

During the trial, researchers enrolled 36 women – 18 who had been diagnosed with FM and 18 participants for a healthy control group. Patients with the pain disease had been diagnosed at least one year prior to the study.

FM patients were surveyed about their current pain levels, and then underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures used to detect resting-state, a relaxed period experienced while awake.

The results of the MRIs showed that because of the complex brain mechanisms, FM patients developed resting-state. In fact, the team found that this led to more intense pain complications.

Vitaly Napadow, co-author of the study, stated that “our results clearly show that individuals with FM have greater connectivity between multiple brain networks and the insular cortex, which is a brain region previously linked with evoked pain processing and hyperexcitability in FM.”

Women with FM seeking natural alternatves to alleviate pain, can benefit from acupuncture, therapeutic message and chiropractic treatments, the National Fibromyalgia Association reports.