Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain and extreme tiredness, predominantly affecting women. It affects around 2 million people in the UK alone.
It is not fully understood what causes fibromyalgia, but many believe it can be caused by a stressful event such as an injury, an illness, or the death of a loved one. Those living with fibromyalgia will, amongst other symptoms, experience an increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, and muscle stiffness.
Treating fibromyalgia can come in various forms, and certain treatments will work for some people whilst others will not. People living with fibromyalgia will have to discuss their condition and their symptoms with their specialist or GP to find the best treatment for them. The main treatments, however, involve exercise, talking therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and medications such as NSAIDs, paracetamol and prescribed antidepressants.
One of the main symptoms linked to this condition is “fibro-fog” or brain fog. Brain fog can be caused by many different conditions such as menopause, chronic stress, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes.
This symptom of fibromyalgia is a cognitive issue affecting mental processes like thinking and learning. People experiencing fibro fog may have difficulty recalling or taking on new information, struggle to pay attention, or have to speak slowly.
Some research suggests that over half of people living with fibromyalgia show a decline in memory and clear thinking.
Like all symptoms of fibromyalgia, fibro fog can have a severe impact on a person’s quality of life. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe with different factors affecting the severity of it such as, overstimulation, stress, poor sleep, and certain medications.
MAC Clinical Research want to improve the quality of life of those living with fibromyalgia and help to lift the fibro fog that affects so many people.
MAC is looking for volunteers aged 18 to 70 who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for at least 6 months that would like to take part in a new clinical trial. If eligible, participants may be able to continue their standard of care treatment for fibromyalgia during the trial period and will receive up to £3,050 for their time and commitment. Transport to the MAC clinic, or travel expenses are also provided. The study will run at our clinics in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, South Yorkshire, and Teesside.
To find out more about MAC Clinical Research’s fibromyalgia clinical trial and to register your interest to receive further information, visit our website here.
