How to diagnose fibromyalgia?
If you think you may have fibromyalgia, see your GP. Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult, as there is no specific test to diagnose the condition. Symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary and are similar to many other conditions . When you are diagnosed, you will be asked how your symptoms affect your daily life. Your body will also be examined to check for visible signs of other conditions – for example, swollen joints may suggest arthritis rather than fibromyalgia.
Eliminate other diseases
If your doctor thinks you have fibromyalgia, he or she will first need to rule out any other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:- chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) - a condition that causes long-term fatigue,
- rheumatoid arthritis - a disease that causes pain and swelling in the joints,
- multiple sclerosis (MS) , a disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that affects movement and balance.
Screening tests for some of these conditions include urine and blood tests, but they may also include X-rays and other tests. Even if you have another condition, you may also have fibromyalgia.
Diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia
For fibromyalgia to be diagnosed, certain criteria must be met.
The most commonly used diagnostic criteria are:
- severe pain in 3 to 6 different areas of your body, or milder pain in 7 or more different areas,
- stable symptoms for at least 3 months,
- no other reason can explain the symptoms.
Diagnosis of other pathologies
It is also possible to suffer from other conditions in addition to fibromyalgia, such as:- depression,
- anxiety,
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
If your symptoms suggest that you have another condition in addition to fibromyalgia, you may need additional testing to diagnose them. Identifying all possible conditions will help guide your treatment.
