Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread body pain and tender points. It is also associated with depression sleep disorder, other connective tissue disorder like rheumatoid arthritis
Overview
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic generalized body pain associated with sleep disturbance, worsening fatigue, joint stiffness, depression and other cognitive disturbances
Symptoms
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Pain- generalized body ache and tender points which increases on pressure(allodynia)
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Numbness and tingling sensation
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Chronic weakness(fatigue)
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Recurrent and prolonged muscle cramps
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Sleep disturbances
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Anxiety and depression
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Cognitive dysfunction- impaired memory, reduced attention span, irritability, impaired multi- task ability
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Bladder disturbance
Precipitation factors
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Emotional stress- anxiety and stress increases the pain
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Whether changes- cold and damp environment increase pain
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Sleeping disturbance and physical activity increases the pain
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Infection, allergy, and physical injury worsens the symptoms of fibromyalgia
Facts
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Fibromyalgia is a condition where in there is generalized body ache of unknown etiology.
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This syndrome is more common in females than males.
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Fibromyalgia is associated with cognitive and behavioral disturbances.
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Fibromyalgia is also associated with rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome.
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There is no definitive investigation for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia
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Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is based on ACR criteria and clinical expertisisation of the treating physician.
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Fibromyalgia may occur as primary condition or may be the result of another disease called secondary condition.
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Fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed and due to overlapping of symptoms of generalized pain with many other pain syndromes the diagnosis is often delayed
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Fibromyalgia patients in course of time suffer from sleep and cognitive disturbance
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Fibromyalgia symptoms worsen with emotions, cold climate and strenuous exercise
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The treatment for fibromyalgia is multi-modal including pharmacological and non pharmacological measures.