Fibromyalgia
| Fibromyalgia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Fibromyalgia syndrome |
| Possible pain areas in the most used fibromyalgia diagnosis criteria (ACR 2016) | |
| Pronunciation |
|
| Specialty | Rheumatology, neurology |
| Symptoms | Widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems |
| Usual onset | Early–middle age |
| Duration | Long term |
| Causes | Uncertain |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms after ruling out other potential causes |
| Differential diagnosis | Anemia, autoimmune disorders (such as ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or multiple sclerosis), Lyme disease, osteoarthritis, thyroid disease |
| Treatment | Sufficient sleep and exercise, medication |
| Medication | Cyclobenzaprine, duloxetine, milnacipran, pregabalin |
| Prognosis | Normal life expectancy |
| Frequency | 2% |
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a long-term adverse health condition characterised by widespread chronic pain. Current diagnosis also requires an above-threshold severity score from among six other symptoms: fatigue, trouble thinking or remembering, waking up tired (unrefreshed), pain or cramps in the lower abdomen, depression, or headache. Other symptoms may also be experienced. The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown, with several pathophysiologies proposed.
Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2 to 4% of the population. Women are affected at a higher rate than men. Rates appear similar across areas of the world and among varied cultures. Fibromyalgia was first recognised in the 1950s, and defined in 1990, with updated criteria in 2011, 2016, and 2019.
The treatment of fibromyalgia is symptomatic and multidisciplinary. Aerobic and strengthening exercise is recommended. Duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin can give short-term pain relief to some people with FM. Symptoms of fibromyalgia persist long-term in most patients.
Fibromyalgia is associated with a significant economic and social burden, and it can cause substantial functional impairment among people with the condition. People with fibromyalgia can be subjected to significant stigma and doubt about the legitimacy of their symptoms, including in the healthcare system. FM is associated with relatively high suicide rates.