Fibromyalgia Flashcards
What is fibromyalgia?
a syndrome characterised by widespread pain throughout the body with tender points at specific anatomical sites
How do patients with fibromyalgia present?
With chronic widespread body pain and co-morbid symptoms
What is fibromyalgia caused by?
Unknown
Who is more likely to be affected by fibromyalgia?
Women (5x)
30-50 years old
What does there tend to be a history of in someone presenting with fibromyalgia?
Family history of the condition
What are the main symptoms of fibromyalgia?
chronic pain: at multiple site, sometimes ‘pain all over’
Lethargy
Cognitive impairment: ‘fibro fog’
Sleep disturbance, headaches, dizziness
Is there a cure for fibromyalgia?
No
What cognitive impairments can patients with fibromyalgia suffer from?
Depression
Sleep disturbance
Headaches
Dizziness
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Clinically
What can sometimes be used to diagnose fibromyalgia?
American College of Rheumatology
classification criteria which lists 9 pairs of tender points on the body
How many points does a patient need to be tender to make the diagnosis of fibromyalgia more likely?
11/18
What can be used in the management of fibromyalgia?
Medication
Talking therapies
Lifestyle changes
What talking therapies can be used in the management of fibromyalgia?
CBT
What lifestyle changes can be used in the management of fibromalgia?
Exercise (aerobic): has the strongest evidence base
What medication can be used in the management of fibromyalgia?
Pregabalin (anti-epileptic)
Duloxetine (SNRI)
Amitriptyline (tricyclic)
