Fibromyalgia is a disorder of chronic, widespread pain and tenderness. It typically presents in young or middle-aged women but can affect patients of either sex and at any age. Its exact cause is unknown but is believed to involve psychological, genetic, neurobiological and environmental factors.
Symptoms
Persistent (3 months) widespread pain.
Stiffness
Fatigue; disrupted and unrefreshing sleep
Cognitive difficulties
Multiple other unexplained symptoms, anxiety and/or depression, and functional impairment of activities of daily living
Diagnosis
It is a diagnosis of exclusion and alternative diagnosis must be ruled out before diagnosis is made. Following co -morbid conditions should be ruled out
Hypothyroidism
Rheumatoid arthritis
SLE
Polymyalgia rheumatic
Other inflammatory or autoimmune disorders
Serious cardiac conditions in those with chest pain, dyspnea, and palpitations
Treatment
Medications used in the management of fibromyalgia include the following:
Analgesics
Antianxiety agents
Skeletal muscle relaxants
Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
Alpha 2 agonists