Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
Read about
Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
presented in simple easy to understand language
The Diagnosis of fibromyalgia is difficult
and is often misdiagnosed because symptoms can be mistaken for another
condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, spinal arthritis, or Lyme
disease which may further complicate the diagnosis.
The most difficulty in diagnosing fibromyalgia lies in the fact that,
laboratory testing appears normal and many of the symptoms mimic
those of other disorders. A definite diagnosis of fibromyalgia
syndrome should only be made when no other medical disease can explain
the symptoms. This is to say, fibromyalgia is a diagnosis of
exclusion.
Diagnosis Based on Medical and Personal
History
A physician should take a careful personal and family medical
history, which would include a psychological profile and a history of
any factors that might be indicative of disorders other than
fibromyalgia. Such factors might include recent weight change,
physical injuries, infectious diseases, muscle weakness, rashes, and
any instances of sexual, physical, or substance or alcohol abuse. The
patient should report any drugs being taken, including vitamins and
over-the-counter or herbal medications.
Diagnosis Based on Physical Examination
This Examination is based on the
Pressure put on Tender Spots. Any physical examination for fibromyalgia
requires that the physician press on all potential tender
spots. They must be painful when pressed, not simply tender. In
addition, for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, these tender sites are not
typically accompanied by signs of inflammation, such as redness,
swelling, or heat in the joints and soft tissue. The pressure points
may also change in location and sensitivity over time. A physician,
then, may re-check pressure points that do not respond the first time
in patients who have other significant symptoms.
Detection of Other Causes of Symptoms. A physical examination also
includes scrutiny of nails, skin, mucous membranes, joints, spine,
muscles, and bones to help rule out arthritis, thyroid disease, and
other disorders.
Other Tests
There are no blood, urine, or other laboratory tests that can be used
for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. If such tests show abnormal
results, then the physician should look for other disorders. Tests for
specific diseases depend on family histories and other symptoms. They
may include thyroid and liver function tests, blood count, tests of
certain antibodies, and sedimentation rate. Follow-up psychological
profile testing may be suggested if laboratory results do not indicate
a specific disease.
|
