Centrally Mediated Abdominal Pain Syndrome

Centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome (CAPS), known as functional abdominal pain syndrome in the Rome III criteria of functional gastrointestinal diseases, has a reported population prevalence of between 0.5% and 2.1%, with a female preponderance. The pathogenesis of CAPS has not been completely established, and various studies are being conducted. On the other hand, central nervous system sensitization with disinhibition of the pain signaling pathways appears to play a more important role than the up-regulation of peripheral afferent neuronal excitability. The diagnosis of CAPS is based on the Rome IV criteria (2016) and is established around the gastrointestinal symptoms combination. Various new treatment trials and effective patient-physician relationships showed progressive results.