What Illnesses Can Mimic Fibromyalgia?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Can fibromyalgia be misdiagnosed?

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 .

Which illness behaves the most like fibromyalgia?

Which illness behaves the most like fibromyalgia ? Explanation: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), newly named Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease (SEID), behaves like fibromyalgia in that both illnesses present with fatigue that impairs daily functioning and pain symptoms.

Is fibromyalgia autoimmune or neurological?

Although numerous studies have shown that fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease (conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, whereby the body attacks healthy tissues), reliable research concurs that this condition does weaken your immune system by causing various abnormalities and irregularities.

How often are people misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia?

Of the 497 people who completed the questionnaires, 121 (24.3 percent) had fibromyalgia, based on the ACR criteria. But only 104 (20.9 percent) were actually diagnosed with the condition by a physician. In all, physicians failed to correctly diagnose 60 (49.6 percent) of those who met the ACR criteria for fibromyalgia.

What is the new name for fibromyalgia?

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term illness that affects many body systems.

Can fibromyalgia turn into lupus?

People with fibromyalgia aren’t more likely to get lupus. However, people with lupus are susceptible to developing fibromyalgia pain .

Does fibromyalgia cause all over body inflammation?

Fibromyalgia is not an inflammatory condition . It is caused by abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system. People with fibromyalgia may be extremely sensitive to pain and other unpleasant sensations.

What does fibro fog feel like?

The most common fibro fog complaints include: Forgetfulness and problems remembering new information . Reduced ability to think quickly and efficiently, especially in distracting environments. Difficulty concentrating or feeling alert.

How can I test myself for fibromyalgia?

There is no widely accepted medical test to diagnose fibromyalgia. Instead, diagnostic tests are performed to see if another condition could be causing the symptoms. Blood tests are usually ordered to rule out conditions with similar symptoms.

Does fibromyalgia show up on MRI?

While more research is still needed, this discovery is exciting news for fibromyalgia sufferers. It means that an MRI may help both with diagnosing fibromyalgia , as well as the identification of the individual patient’s unique subtype of the syndrome.

Can you lose the ability to walk with fibromyalgia?

As a result, patients with fibromyalgia may lose their ability to walk faster or their capacity to maintain balance while standing as their gait changes , according to a study published in Frontiers in Human Science. They may also have difficulty moving about due to pain and stiffness.

What kind of doctor do you see for fibromyalgia?

Traditionally, fibromyalgia falls under the scope of rheumatologists . But today, primary care doctors, podiatrists, osteopaths, psychiatrists, neurologists — plus nurse practitioners — are overseeing long-term fibromyalgia treatment.

Does fibromyalgia cause burning pain?

The American College of Rheumatology identified 18 “tender points” (9 pairs) on the body that can be very sensitive to touch for people with fibromyalgia. The pain has been described as burning, aching , stabbing, tingling, throbbing, soreness or numbness (loss of feeling).

Does fibromyalgia cause weight gain?

Some fibromyalgia medications, such as pregabalin, also increase appetite. This combination of factors makes many people with fibromyalgia gain weight – as much as 30 pounds or more, says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.,medical director of the national Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers and author of From Fatigued to Fantastic!

What are usually the first signs of fibromyalgia?

  • Widespread pain. If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. ...
  • Extreme sensitivity. ...
  • Stiffness. ...
  • Fatigue. ...
  • Poor sleep quality. ...
  • Cognitive problems (‘fibro-fog’) ...
  • Headaches. ...
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.