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An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyositis; Fibrositis; Myofascial pain syndrome
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of unknown causes that results in lasting, sometimes debilitating, muscle pain and fatigue. Fibromyalgia is also known as fibrositis or fibromyositis.
Pain. The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is pain. The pain can be in one place or all over. The exact locations of the pain are called tender points. The pain of fibromyalgia is often is described as follows:
Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances. Another major complaint is fatigue, which some patients report as being more unbearable than the pain. Sleep disturbances, particularly restless legs syndrome, are also very common. Fatigue and sleep disturbances are, in fact, almost universal in patients with fibromyalgia. Some experts believe that if these symptoms are not present, doctors should seek a diagnosis other than fibromyalgia.
Depression and Mood. Up to a third of patients experience depression. Disturbances in mood and concentration are also very common.
Other Symptoms. The following symptoms may also be present:
Symptoms in Children. Although children and adults have similar fibromyalgia symptoms, some experts suggest that children may not have a set number of pain tender points. In one study, children had an average of 9.7 tender point locations compared to the minimum of 11 in adults. In general, children with fibromyalgia most often experience sleep disorders and widespread pain.
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