Healthcare providers find the task of diagnosing fibromyalgia difficult. In "Human Psychopharmacology", Stephen M. Stahl, researcher, describes fibromyalgia as poorly defined or understood. Fibromyalgia symptoms mimic other diseases, which adds to the difficulty of promptly diagnosing the condition. No specific marker or blood test for fibromyalgia exists to diagnose the condition. The doctor obtains a history from the individual to diagnose fibromyalgia and rules out other possible diseases.
Step 1
Diagnose fibromyalgia using the American College of Rheumatology's criteria of a history of pervasive pain lasting longer than three months and the existence of widespread soreness. Pervasive pain refers to aching felt on both sides of the body and above and beneath the waist. The American College of Rheumatology outlined 18 areas on the body as potential sore spots. The strict criteria require an individual to exhibit eleven or more tender sites. The diagnosis usually takes in to account the criteria and all of the symptoms with no explanation for the pain.
Step 2
Observe for indications of fibromyalgia as symptoms vary from individual to individual. The Fibromyalgia Partnership describes multiple, potential symptoms. Widespread body stiffness appears upon waking up in the morning in fibromyalgia sufferers. Individuals with fibromyalgia commonly report sleep disturbances and fatigue along with restless leg syndrome at night. Individuals, occasionally, describe tingling and numbness in hands and feet. Gastrointestinal disorders of constipation and diarrhea may occur with this condition. Increased frequency or urgency of urinary takes place in some persons with fibromyalgia. The severity and type of symptoms may come and go over time.
Step 3
Identify conditions with overlapping characteristics to rule out other causes for the symptoms. According to the Fibromyalgia Network, fibromyalgia exhibits similarities with other diseases. Restless leg syndrome may occur alone or in conjunction with fibromyalgia with feelings of pins and needles in the legs and constant movement of the legs. Sleep apnea co-exists in some individuals with fibromyalgia. Jaw problems occur in fibromyalgia sufferers and providers diagnosis temporomandibular disorder.
Step 4
Determine other rheumatic conditions that produce similar features. The Fibromyalgia Symptom Organization describes different health conditions that imitate fibromyalgia. Osteoarthritis mimics arthritis due to morning joint stiffness and tender joints. Lupus sufferers experience the same pain in the muscles and joints like the persons with fibromyalgia. Polymyalgia rheumatica in individuals over 50 years old presents with pain in the hips, shoulders and neck. The pain presentation matches the presentation in fibromyalgia. Persons afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis display fatigue, morning stiffness and symmetrical pain in the joints in the same fashion as fibromyalgia.
Step 5
Rule out other conditions that mimic fibromyalgia. Chronic fatigue syndrome generates headache and pain in the muscles and joints like fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia sufferers exhibit sadness and hopelessness that overlaps with the symptoms of depression, but the Fibromyalgia Network reports depression is not a symptom of the condition. Low thyroid causes fatigue or a feeling of low energy similar to fibromyalgia symptoms. Cystitis or painful bladder occurs with pain and no infection. The multitude of symptoms contributes to the difficulty of diagnosing fibromyalgia.
References
- Fibromyalgia Symptoms: Diagnosing Fibromyalgia
- "Human Psychopharmacology"; Fibromyalgia-Pathways and Neurotransmitters; Stephen M. Stahl, 2009
- Fibromyalgia Partnership: Fibromyalgia
- Fibromyalgia Network: Overlapping Conditions
