[Fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis: The oxygen clue]

Abstract

In recent years, different authors have described various musculoskeletal oxygenation alterations in patients with fibromyalgia with or without myalgic encephalomyelitis. These patients suffer from meteor-sensitivity worsening their symptoms in lower atmospheric pressure climates (decreased oxygen pressure). They also respond successfully to hyperbaric chamber treatment (increased oxygen pressure), and to coenzime Q10 intake (improved use of oxygen). Having reviewed these findings, oxygen therapy is postulated in higher concentration and pressures to relief the symptoms of fibromyalgia with or without myalgic encephalomyelitis. This article also centralizes on three fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis patients who had a severe exacerbation of their symptoms, but responded successfully to treatment with pure oxygen for a limited time. The small number of patients treated and the lack of statistical methodology prevents us from arriving at definitive conclusions. However, medical oxygen could be considered a good alternative therapy to treat patients suffering acute episodes of their symptoms, when they do not respond to other therapeutic strategies. It also suggests the design of a future protocol of chronic oxygen therapy for patients with fibromyalgia with or without myalgic encephalomyelitis.