Relationship between PN and other pain syndromes

[Violet M]

Multi-disciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa- ... 7-003.html
http://tinyurl.com/p4jwqkm

"The clinical and basic research studies developed by the NIDDK and the research community have had a traditional focus on the bladder and the prostate as the origins of disease for UCPPS. However, recent epidemiological studies have shown that other conditions that share chronic pain as a major symptom are often associated with UCPPS, including fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome; vulvodynia and migraine headache may also be associated with UCPPS, but the epidemiological evidence for this relationship is currently less compelling. These findings suggest the possibility of a common underlying pathophysiology in chronic pain disorders. However, these intriguing associations and their implications to disease development have not been adequately addressed in studies of UCPPS. In addition, many traditional urologic-focused research efforts addressing UCPPS have not emphasized novel and innovative approaches or incorporated expertise from related fields of investigation. Also, basic, translational, and clinical researchers have had insufficient formal opportunities for collaboration in addressing common goals. It has become apparent that the traditional concepts and strategies driving UCPPS research are in need of significant redirection, including the introduction of new and novel methodologies and the involvement of related disciplines, in order to address the many long standing deficiencies in our understanding of these disorders."