Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disease characterized by multiple symptoms, such as chronic widespread pain, intense fatigue, sleep disorders, cognitive disturbances or mood disorders, among other manifestations.1

It is a very common disease, affecting approximately 2 to 8% of the general population. At present, it is not well known why it occurs, but there is a significant impact on the lives of people who suffer from it, as their quality of life is one of the worst in comparison with other chronic diseases.2

What is fibromyalgia?

What is fibromyalgia

What causes fibromyalgia?

Although the origin of fibromyalgia is unknown, there are several causes that can trigger its onset, such as emotional stress, infections, surgery, and trauma. Any situation of acute or chronic stress, or physical or emotional stress, can be considered as a trigger of the disease.1

In patients suffering from fibromyalgia, there are disruptions in the molecules that connect the neurons and the nerve centers to each other, called brain neurotransmitters. These alterations of the neurotransmitters are also responsible for other symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances and symptoms of anxiety and depression that appear as a consequence of a failure of connections with the brain and spinal cord.1

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?2

  • The diagnosis is made through the assessment of symptoms
  • No analysis or other tests are required
  • The existence of fibromyalgia does not exclude the presence of other associated diseases.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed

Diagnoses associated with fibromyalgia2

There are other common diagnoses sometimes found in people with fibromyalgia, such as:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Migraine
  • Muscle contractures
  • Subclinical hypothyroidism
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Vertigo or dizziness
  • Mixed anxiety depressive disorder
Diagnoses associated with fibromyalgia

If you suspect fibromyalgia, then you might have it2

  • You may experience pain along with a variety of other symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance or depression.
  • There is evolution in outbreaks, with phases of improvement and worsening.
  • There is no test to confirm the diagnosis.
  • The diagnosis of fibromyalgia does not exclude the possibility of other associated diseases.
  • The three pillars of treatment are the drugs prescribed by your doctor the physical exercise and the psychological therapy.
If you suspect fibromyalgia

If you think you have fibromyalgia, do not hesitate to go see your doctor

When you go see your doctor it is important that you prepare and think about everything you are going to address during the visit. If necessary, write down on a piece of paper what you want to discuss:

  • Main reason for the visit
  • Concerns related to the reason for the visit
  • Describe in as much detail as possible the symptoms you are experiencing and how long you have been experiencing them.
  • Speak openly, without feeling embarrassed about what you want to say. Your doctor will not react negatively and will treat the information with complete confidentiality.
  • In the case of a specific symptom, specify its characteristics by explaining:

    • When it started: Hours, days, weeks
    • If it worsens at any time of the day or when performing any activity.
    • If you have taken any measures to resolve it such as taking medication, changing the posture, etc.

Before finishing the visit, make sure you understand all the instructions your doctor has given you.

If you think you have fibromyalgia
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Fibromyalgia Recommendations on Diagnosis

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If you (or a person close to you) has experienced unexplained widespread pain for more than three months and cannot get a diagnosis, this may be fibromyalgia

GO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR.
References:
  1. Rivera, J., 2022. Aprendiendo a convivir con la fibromialgia. [online] Fibromialgia sin miedos. Available at: https://www.fibromialgiasinmiedos.com/aprendiendo-a-convivir-con-la-fibromialgia/ [Accessed 31 January 2024].
  2. Belenguer, R., Carbonell A., García J., Luciano J., Martín A., Martínez M., et al. 2022. A beginner’s guide to fibromyalgia. Available at: https://fibro.info/guia-de-debut-en-fibromialgia/ [Accessed 31 January 2024].