What is the Limbic System, and Why Should I Care?
The limbic system is a network of brain centers that includes such structures as the thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, and nucleus accumbens. It is often referred to as a “primitive” brain region, given that all higher animals have elements of the limbic system in common. The limbic system is also often referred to as “the emotional brain.” The amygdala, for example, is commonly associated with fear and rage. Broadly speaking, the limbic system functions in part to process a variety of sensory information in terms of its emotional content, and then puts that information into storage for future use. Among the factors contributing to the lack of progress in developing adequate treatments for FM has been a fundamental lack of understanding regarding the source of symptoms. While no pathology has been demonstrated in the muscles, bones, or joints that might convincingly be linked to its development, a growing number of studies have shed light on changes in brain function th
