Fibromyalgia Flashcards
What is fibromyalgia?
Central pain processing disorder characterised by chronic widespread pain in all 4 quadrants of the body (both sides and above and below waist)
What is allodynia?
Heightened and painful response to innocuous stimuli - often present in fibromyalgia
What is the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia?
Can be induced by deliberate sleep deprivation. Sleep disturbance.
What are the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Pain, difficulty sleeping, very tired
- joint/muscle stiffness
- profound fatigue
- unrefreshed sleep
- numbness
- headaches
- IBS
- depression and axiety
- poor concentration and memory “fibrofog”
Tender points on examination with no physical abnormalities
What are the risk factors for fibromyalgia?
More common in females (9:1)
Peak age of onset is 40-50
Can be triggered by emotional or physical stress
What is the treatment for fibromyalgia?
Education, drugs (pregabalin for pain), CBT and physical
What blood tests should you do to rule out other pathology before diagnosing fibromyalgia?
- ESR
- CRP
- FBC
- U&Es
- LFTs
- Calcium/vitamin D levels
- CK
- Thyroid function tests
