Fibromyalgia diagnosis
Diagnosis is difficult and frequently missed because symptoms of fibromyalgia are vague
and generalized.Coexisting nerve and muscle disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, spinal
arthritis, or Lyme disease may further complicate the diagnostic process. Presently, there
are no tests available to specifically diagnose fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is usually
made after ruling out other medical conditions with similar symptoms.
Because of the emotional distress experienced by people with this condition and the
influence of stress on the symptoms themselves, fibromyalgia has often been labeled a
psychological problem. Recognition of the underlying inflammatory process involved in
fibromyalgia has helped promote the validity of this disease.
Fibromyalgia diagnosis - America College of Rheumatology standards
In 1990, the America College of Rheumatology developed standards for fibromyalgia that
health care practitioners can use to diagnose this condition. According to these
standards, a person is thought to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain in
combination with tenderness in at least 11 of the 18 sites known as trigger points.
Trigger point sites include the base of the neck, along the backbone, in front of the hip
and elbow, and at the rear of the knee and shoulder. |
