There's no single test (such as a blood test or an imaging test like an X-ray) that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Rather, fibromyalgia is considered a “diagnosis of exclusion,” which means that doctors first have to rule out other health problems.
Diagnosing fibromyalgia
We can't definitively diagnose fibromyalgia. It doesn't show up on an X-ray or other imaging test. There's no factor that turns up in a blood test. It's pretty much a diagnosis by eliminating any other potential cause.
Currently, there are no specific laboratory or imaging tests for fibromyalgia. The main symptoms—pain and fatigue—are shared with many other conditions, so doctors typically try to rule out other causes for your symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed with a careful history, a physical examination, as well as a symptom questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria, and appropriate blood tests to exclude other or diagnose coexisting conditions.
The central feature of fibromyalgia is chronic pain in multiple sites. These sites are the head, each arm, the chest, the abdomen, each leg, the upper back and spine, and the lower back and spine (including the buttocks). The pain may be mild to severe. It may feel like a deep ache, or a stabbing, burning pain.
Classic red flags such as weight loss or frequent unexplained infections require specific evaluation. Referral for polysomnography to rule out obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recommended when profound fatigue and cognitive dysfunction are present.
If patients presenting with widespread chronic pain are also experiencing fatigue, sleep problems, cognitive disturbance, depression, headache and/or abdominal pain, then fibromyalgia should be considered.
The drugs amitriptyline, duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin can relieve fibromyalgia pain in some people. They may cause side effects such as a dry mouth or nausea. Normal painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol) aren't recommended for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
There's no single test (such as a blood test or an imaging test like an X-ray) that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
There are no lab tests that can diagnose fibromyalgia. However, because many other conditions have symptoms similar to those or fibromyalgia, your doctor may order tests to rule out other causes of your symptoms.
Common Medications for Fibromyalgia
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), milnacipran (Savella) and pregabalin (Lyrica) are FDA-approved to specifically treat fibromyalgia.
“They don't tell you about the emotions you will have to deal with every single day, the grief for the person you used to be, the guilt you'll feel every time you let someone down and cancel plans, the fear of the future and the feeling of being a burden to your family.
Another reason is that many healthcare providers aren't comfortable with the diagnostic process. 2 You may want to ask for a referral to a specialist who's more experienced with it. A fibromyalgia diagnosis takes a lot of testing followed by a couple of questionnaires.
Fibromyalgia is often triggered by an event that causes physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers include: a serious injury, such as after a car accident. an infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease.
Often people with fibromyalgia have a number of things they are particularly sensitive to, such as allergies or sensitivity to light, noise, and/or smells. Exposure to the things you are sensitive to — like bright lights or strong perfumes — may trigger a fibro flare.
If you avoid treating fibromyalgia, you may descend into a spiral. The chronic pain and fatigue limits your physical activities and exercise. That, in turn, weakens your body. You may begin to feel isolated, fearful, suspicious, lonely, and afraid, which can strain relationships.
There are no blood tests, x-rays or scans that can test for fibromyalgia. Your doctor or rheumatologist (arthritis specialist) will look for a number of features that are typical of fibromyalgia to diagnose the condition.
Financial help can make a huge difference when you've been forced to stop working due to a disability like fibromyalgia. Financial help for fibromyalgia comes in two main forms in Australia. Disability Support Pensions and TPD insurance claims from your super policy can each give you assistance.
Results: There were four parent stages of FM identified and labeled: 1) regional FM with classic symptoms; 2) generalized FM with increasing widespread pain and some additional symptoms; 3) FM with advanced and associated conditions, increasing widespread pain, increased sleep disturbances, and chemical sensitivity; ...
The symptoms can be similar, but people with fibromyalgia are more likely to experience depression, irritable bowel syndrome, and widespread, persistent pain. Symptoms more common with MS include weakness, vision problems, muscle spasms, and bowel or bladder issues.
The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.
Flare-ups of mild to severe pain come on suddenly and may feel like aching, throbbing, burning, or stabbing. The pain may be present in multiple tender points throughout the body, often affecting the lower back and legs.