Steps towards a symptom based diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome

Z Rheumatol. 2008 Oct;67(6):511-5.

Steps towards a symptom-based diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome : Symptom profiles of patients from different clinical settings.

Häuser W, Akritidou I, Felde E, Klauenberg S, Maier C, Hoffmann A, Köllner V, Hinz A. Zentrum für Schmerztherapie/Innere Medizin I (Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Stoffwechsel- und Infektionskrankheiten, Psychosomatik), Klinikum Saarbrücken gGmbH, Winterberg 1, 66119, Saarbrücken, Deutschland, whaeuser@klinikum-saarbruecken.de.

BACKGROUND: A symptom-based diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) without tender point examination is helpful for primary medical care. We tested whether a symptom-based diagnosis of FMS can be based on the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.

METHODS: The most frequent and severe symptoms in FMS patients from four different settings (n= 464 from a self-help organization, n=162 from medical expertise, n= 33 from a private rheumatology practice, n=36 from a tertiary-care pain department) were assessed using the Giessen Subjective Complaints List GBB 24. The most frequent and severe symptoms were assessed and compared to those of a representative German population sample. A k-means cluster analysis was performed to identify sub-groups with and without additional vegetative symptoms within the total sample of FMS patients.

RESULTS: The most frequent and severe symptoms in all four sub-samples were low back pain, limb pain and fatigue. The greatest mean differences between FMS patients and the general population were found in the subscales "limb pain" and "fatigue". Cluster analysis identified three sub-groups of patients which were all characterized by severe limb pain and fatigue, as well as varying degrees of vegetative symptoms. Following the exclusion of inflammatory rheumatoid, endocrinological and neurological diseases, a symptom-based clinical diagnosis of FMS can be based on of key symptoms of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, as well as chronic fatigue.

PMID: 18830659 [PubMed - in process]

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written by Carolyn Holiman, October 12, 2008

But - what can I do to help with the fibromyalgia pain? I learned nothing from the about info. I seem to be living in a "cluster" of fibro patients. I live in NW GA, in the east valley of Look Out Mountain, and am astonded at the numbers of people in this small area who have fibro. Mostly women, but a few men. Cortisones injections about every 6 - 7 weeks are the only lasting relief. I had never heard of it until diagnoised in 1991. I have noted, as well as others, that it often preceeds a low weater front, just prior to a lower barometer period. Is the CDC studying this? I understand that the Atlanta area is also a cluster area for fibro.
I understand that the Uni of Ala med school in Birmingham has a study going on.
My muscles feel like I have the flu, but no other flu symptoms. Some days, I feel like I have rolled down Look Out Mountain. There are too many of us with this malady. I am almost 69 years of age. Carolyn Holiman

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written by Maff, October 12, 2008

Hi Carolyn,

For information on treating fibromyalgia pain take a look at these sections of the website:

Fibromyalgia Articles - http://www.ei-resource.org/art...-articles/

Fibromyalgia News - http://www.ei-resource.org/news/fibromyalgia-news/

Dr. Jacon Teitelbaum's Column (fibro specialist) - http://www.ei-resource.org/exp...ms-column/