Fibromyalgia, marked by persistent pain lasting three months or more, affects widespread muscle areas with tender trigger points that elicit waves of pain upon pressure. Alongside pain, fibromyalgia manifests additional features like cognitive dysfunction (fibro-fog), joint pains, headaches, and clinical depression. While potential causes include genetics, autoimmune mechanisms, stress, trauma, diabetes, and chronic infections, none have been conclusively proven.
To assess fibromyalgia, a thorough approach involves attentive history-taking, suspending disbelief (as symptoms are sometimes dismissed as psychological), and a comprehensive clinical examination. Investigations may encompass blood tests for autoimmune markers, metabolic assessments, vitamin D and B12 estimations, and neurophysiological studies like electromyography and nerve conduction studies.
Although no definitive tests confirm fibromyalgia, relief from debilitating pain can be achieved through lifestyle adjustments and neurotransmitter-enhancing medications like Gabapentin, Pregabalin, and Duloxetine. It is imperative to avoid prescription opioids. Expert neurologists, such as Dr. Sweta Adatia, are adept at guiding patients toward a pain-free life (https://www.topneurologistdubai.com/articles.html).