Fibromyalgia
A condition involving widespread pain, often accompanied by fatigue and disturbed sleep. It can coexist with inflammatory conditions.
About the condition
A condition involving widespread pain, often accompanied by fatigue and disturbed sleep. It can coexist with inflammatory conditions.
Altered pain processing, rather than joint destruction, is central. It can coexist with inflammatory disease and increase reported pain.
Symptoms
Widespread pain, fatigue and unrefreshing sleep; concentration may be difficult. Symptoms can fluctuate.
Pain may shift location; headache and heightened sensitivity can occur. Objective joint swelling is not explained by fibromyalgia alone.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis relies on symptom patterns and duration. No single confirmatory test exists; clinicians assess other causes of pain.
Symptoms and examination guide testing. Repeated immune testing without new signs is usually unhelpful; assess sleep and mood.
Treatment
Gradual physical activity, better sleep and psychological support are central. Medicines are selected individually.
Increase activity gradually, avoiding cycles of overexertion and prolonged inactivity. Cognitive behavioural approaches and selected medicines help some patients.
Monitoring
Track sleep, exercise tolerance and daily function. New objective symptoms need separate assessment.
Goals include steadier sleep, return to daily activities and tolerable exercise. Functional improvement matters even without complete pain relief.
Sources
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