Fibromyalgia Flashcards
what is the definition of fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome diagnosed by the presence of widespread body pain.
what are the risk factors for fibromyalgia?
family history of fibromyalgia
rheumatological conditions
age between 20 and 60 years
female sex
what are the key presentations of fibromyalgia?
Patients typically present with chronic, widespread body pain and almost always have accompanying comorbid symptoms such as fatigue, memory difficulties, and sleep and mood difficulties
Physical examination is typically normal but there is often diffuse tenderness, which may be assessed by counting the number of tender points or by palpating several areas of the body.
what are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?
fatigue unrelieved by rest
sleep disturbance
mood disturbance
cognitive dysfunction
how is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
clinical diagnosis
what are the differential diagnoses for fibromyalgia?
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)
Vitamin D deficiency
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
how is fibromyalgia managed?
Many therapies have been shown to be beneficial. Non-pharmacological therapies include patient education, exercise, and cognitive behavioural approaches. Pharmacological therapies include tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentinoids, and serotonin-noradrenaline (norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitors. Patients often fare better when several different types of treatment are used together.
