Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by widespread pain throughout the body. It is also associated with sleeping problems and fatigue. There is not a lab test for fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is made by its symptoms. According to the American College of Rheumatology, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires pain to be present in four body quadrants for a minimum of three months. There should also be pain present when pressure is applied to certain tender points on the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary with factors such as the weather, time of day, stress level and time of year.
Fatigue
The fatigue associated with fibromyalgia can be severe. The National Fibromyalgia Association describes it as exhaustion. There can be fatigue even though there seems to be sufficient amounts of sleep. This could be due to interruptions in the deep stage of sleep, which fibromyalgia can interrupt with brain activity. Sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome have been associated with fibromyalgia. There can also be poor stamina.
Tender Points
There are pressure points on the body that are painful when pressure is applied. These pressure points are located on the inner knees, outer elbows, back of the head, sides of the hips, upper chest, between the shoulder blades, front sides of the neck and the top of shoulders.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Fibromyalgia has been associated with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
Other Symptoms
Fibromyalgia has been associated with anxiety and depression. There can be dryness in the eyes and mouth. Vision problems, ringing in the ears and dizzy spells have also been identified as symptoms that are associated with fibromyalgia. Memory can be impaired, and there can be headaches, including migraine headaches.
Reynaud's Syndrome
Reynaud's disease has been associated with fibromyalgia. Reynaud's disease is characterized by numbness in the fingertips and toes in response the cold temperature or stress. The numbness can also occur in the nose and ears.
