What is involved in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes muscle pain, stiffness, weakness and general discomfort throughout the body. The exact causes are not well understood, so it may be difficult for a doctor to make a final diagnosis of fibromyalgia after a starting visit. Confirmation of the diagnosis often involves the exclusion of all other possible causes of symptoms such as hypothyroidism, sleep disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. Primary care physician can consult with several specialists and to perform a number of laboratory and imaging tests before diagnosing fibromyalgia.
Knowledge of risk factors can help physicians consider the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The condition may occur in people of any age, although it is most often seen in women between the ages of 20 and 50. Usually, patients ask if you fill in a questionnaire that includes their full medical and family history, as well as their current symptoms before you personally encounter doctors.
After examination, the doctor usually collects blood and urine samples for laboratory analysis. Complete blood numbers and hormone screening are useful in the exclusion of other conditions. Many diseases can mimic the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but require very different treatment, especially thyroid conditions and certain types of arthritis. If the patient has problems with sleep, a sleep study may be planned in a neurologist looking for signs of insomnia and other chronic sleep disorders.
In order to confirm the diagnosis of fibromyalgia and determine the severity of the symptoms, the doctor may use a digital device called a pressure algometer. The algometer is basically a blunt metal pin connected to a pressure meter that identifies the patient is the pain threshold. The doctor presses the pin against several places on the body, including the neck, upper arm, chest, lower back and thigh. When the pressure becomes too painful, the algometer is removed and the physician can compare values with average Prague pain. Very low tolerance to pain in all boThe breath on the body helps to confirm the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
As soon as a confident diagnosis is made, the doctor may discuss different treatment options. There are no reliable drugs, but combinations of drugs, physical therapy and counseling can help most people find relief from their symptoms. Sleeping and muscle relaxers are often prescribed. Patients who practice regularly remove caffeine and alcohol from their diet and try to set regular sleep plans, often see an improvement in symptoms in a few weeks. Regular sitting with a psychologist can also help people learn to receive their diagnoses and practice lifestyle techniques reducing stress.