Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia
Routine laboratory testing reveals little about fibromyalgia. Physical examination shows that patients are sensitive to pressure in certain areas of the body called "tender points." To meet the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia, patients must have:
o Widespread pain in all quadrants of the body for at least three months.
o At least 11 of the 18 specified tender points. The 18 sites used for diagnosis are clustered around the neck, shoulders, chest, hips, knees, and elbows.
Other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia include the following:
o fatigue;
o diarrhea or constipation;
o sleep disturbances;
o chronic tension-type or migraine headaches;
o jaw pain;
o cognitive or memory impairment;
o post-exertional malaise and muscle pain;
o numbness and tingling sensations.
[Editor's note: the Fibromyalgia Network in Tucson, AZ, publishes a patient guide, a news letter, and other useful educational materials on the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia. For more information, contact: The Fibromyalgia Network, P.O. Box 31750, Tucson, AZ 85751. Telephone: (800) 853-2929. World WIde Web site: http://fmnetnews.com.]
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