Fibromyalgia

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

A chronic pain disorder with an unknown cause.

Question 2

Aetiology

Answer 2

• UKNOWN aetiology

* Thought to be something to do with altered pain perception

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

• COMMON
• 10 x more common in WOMEN
• Usual age of presentation: 20-50 yrs

Question 4

Presenting symptoms and signs on physical examination

Answer 4

• Pain at multiple sites (MAIN SYMPTOM)
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbance
• Morning stiffness
• Paraesthesia
• Feeling of swollen joints
• Problems with cognition
• Headaches
• Light headedness
• Anxiety
• Depression

Question 5

Investigations

Answer 5

• CLINICAL diagnosis
• Key features of fibromyalgia:
o Widespread pain involving both sides of the body, above and below the waist for at least 3 months
o Presence of 11 tender points among the 9 pairs of specific sites (look these up)