Signs and Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

From WebHealth

[edit] Signs And Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

The patient presents at the doctor's office with symptoms of fibromyalgia pain in a multitude of regions of the body such as the neck, the shoulders, between the shoulder blades, in the lower back, the sacroiliac joint regions and in the elbow and knee areas. This is associated with complaints of sleeping problems.

There are problems falling asleep, but also a shallow sleep, frequent awakening from the sleep and nightmares ("fibromyalgia sleep"). Patients feel more tired in the morning upon awakening than later in the day. Other symptoms may include abdominal cramps, frequent urination, depression and anxiety. There might be numbness in the hands and feet. Forgetfulness, problems concentrating, frequent minor car accidents, irritability and weepiness can all be additional pointers that there might be underlying fibromyalgia. As is described below under "diagnostic tests" fibromyalgia points help the physician to make the diagnosis.

Home page

Arthritis

Fibromyalgia

References:

1. G.Littlejohn Aust Fam Physician 2001 Apr;30(4):327-333.

2. LS Brecher et al. J Am Osteopath Assoc 2001 Apr;101(4 Suppl Pt 2):S12-17.

3. The Merck Manual, 7^th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 59.

4. ABC of rheumatology, second edition, edited by Michael L. Snaith , M.D., BMJ Books, 1999. Chapter 6. Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

5. B Mukerji et al. Angiology 1995 May;46(5):425-430.

6. Ferri: Ferri's Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment, 2004 ed., Copyright © 2004 Mosby, Inc.

7. Rakel: Conn's Current Therapy 2004, 56th ed., Copyright © 2004 Elsevier