What can fibromyalgia be misdiagnosed as?

Fibromyalgia may be mistaken for one of the following six conditions, among others:
  • Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
  • Hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's disease.
  • Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis)
  • Myofacial pain.

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What other conditions can mimic fibromyalgia?

Several rheumatic diseases can mimic fibromyalgia. These include sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Lyme disease, polymyalgia rheumatica and lupus. They have symptoms of widespread pain along with joint involvement. Most rheumatic diseases are treated with medication and physical therapy.

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Can you be wrongly diagnosed with fibromyalgia?

To diagnose this condition, a physician is likely to ask about a person's medical history. They may also perform a physical exam and request X-rays and blood tests. Although fibromyalgia is prevalent, new research has found that doctors have misdiagnosed many people as having this condition.

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How do I deal with fibromyalgia at work?

A list of workplace modifications for fibromyalgia
  1. Ask for written job instructions, to-do lists, clear expectations, and consequences.
  2. Consider flexible work hours and a self-paced workload.
  3. Prioritize periodic rest periods and breaks for stress management.
  4. Minimize distractions.

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What confirms fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is diagnosed based primarily on having pain all over the body, along with other symptoms. Currently, there are no specific laboratory or imaging tests for fibromyalgia.

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Misdiagnosed with Fibromyalgia? There's Hope for You!

22 related questions found

How do I know if my pain is fibromyalgia?

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are: Chronic, widespread pain throughout the body or at multiple sites. Pain is often felt in the arms, legs, head, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks. People often describe it as aching, burning, or throbbing.

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Will fibromyalgia show on MRI scan?

There is no specific test, such as blood work or imaging procedures that can be used to make the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

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Is fibromyalgia considered a disability in Australia?

Yes! The muscle pain, fatigue, inability to sleep and other symptoms can make it impossible to work in the job you are qualified for. That's the standard that must be proved to win an insurance claim. Successful TPD claims have been won for fibromyalgia against many different super policies.

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What aggravates fibromyalgia?

Physical and emotional stress are the most common triggers of fibromyalgia flares. Other triggers include lack of sleep, weather changes, and hormone imbalances.

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What part of the body does fibromyalgia affect the most?

Fibromyalgia was formerly classified as an inflammatory musculoskeletal disease but is now considered to be an illness that primarily affects the central nervous system.

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Why is fibromyalgia not taken seriously?

Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is still a somewhat controversial diagnosis, because it is not yet fully understood and its symptoms can overlap with many other conditions. Some people even say that it's a “garbage can” diagnosis that's only given when no other one can be made.

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Can MS be mistaken for fibromyalgia?

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.

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Why do doctors not diagnose fibromyalgia?

Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult as there's no specific test to diagnose the condition. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can also vary from person to person and are similar to those of several other conditions. The GP will ask you how your symptoms are affecting your daily life.

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What do people with fibromyalgia have in common?

Fibromyalgia (fi·bro·my·al·gi·a) is a condition that causes pain all over the body, also called widespread pain. Fibromyalgia also causes sleep problems, fatigue, and emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia.

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Is fibromyalgia really something else?

The short answer to your question is yes. Fibromyalgia is a real condition that affects some four million Americans. It's a chronic pain syndrome that experts believe may be caused by a malfunctioning nervous system.

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What are the four stages of fibromyalgia?

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; ...

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What painkiller is best for fibromyalgia?

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.

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What not to do with fibromyalgia?

  • Excessive or Limited Exercise. Fibromyalgia zaps your body's energy. ...
  • Saying “Yes” Too Much. Don't let others put more on your plate than you can handle. ...
  • Ignoring Your Pain. Pain is your body's way of communicating that something is wrong and requires attention. ...
  • Eating Excessive Sugar. ...
  • Not Getting Good Sleep.

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What are the 2 most common symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The primary symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
  • Widespread pain. The pain associated with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache that has lasted for at least three months. ...
  • Fatigue. ...
  • Cognitive difficulties.

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Does Centrelink Recognise fibromyalgia?

Yes! If you're currently getting help through a disability support pension (DSP) for your fibro, you can also get help through a TPD claim.

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Does NDIS fund fibromyalgia?

Does fibromyalgia qualify for NDIS funding? Fibromyalgia on its own does not make you eligible for the NDIS. To qualify for NDIS support and funding you must be living with a permanent and significant disability which has been diagnosed by a medical expert.

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What is the injection for fibromyalgia?

A local anaesthetic and corticosteroid is injected into the identified trigger point, relieving the pain in any muscle group that is effected – particularly those in the arms, legs, lower back and neck.

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What is the new blood test for fibromyalgia?

How does the FM/a ® fibromyalgia test work? The FM/a ® Test analyzes your immune system's white blood cells for their chemokine and cytokine protein patterns. Those who suffer from fibromyalgia will show an abnormal pattern of these protective proteins. The degree of abnormality is scored from 1 to 100.

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What is the brain signature of fibromyalgia?

"In fibromyalgia, the misfiring and irregular engagement of different parts of the brain to process normal sensory stimuli like light, sound, pressure, temperature and odor, results in pain, flu-like sensations or other symptoms.

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What is the pain scale for fibromyalgia?

The Widespread Pain Index is used in conjunction with the Symptom Severity Scale as a diagnostic measure for fibromyalgia. A fibromyalgia diagnosis is confirmed if a WPI is ≥7 with an SS scale ≥5 OR a WPI range between 4‒6 with an SS scale ≥ 9.

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