Fibromyalgia Patient Leaflet 1 PDF

Patient Leaflet 1 What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is not always an exclusive diagnosis and symptoms may indicate Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a primary chronic overlapping and co-existing condition...

Patient Leaflet 1 What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is not always an exclusive diagnosis and symptoms may indicate Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a primary chronic overlapping and co-existing conditions. pain condition. (classified in the WHO Your doctor may order tests to exclude International Classification of Diseases: other conditions and identify treatable ICD-11 Version: 2019). symptoms. Tests for fibromyalgia are emerging at the research level. It is a complex multisystem physical illness, with chronic widespread pain experienced in the muscles, ligaments and/or tendons, that lasts for at least 3 months. Widespread Pain means pain in at least 3 or 4 areas of the body i.e. above and below the waist, and on both sides of the body. Fibromyalgia also has significant other symptoms, which can include: Sleep disturbance, non-restorative sleep Fatigue Musculoskeletal stiffness Cognitive dysfunction Further symptoms (see Patient Leaflet 3 Fibromyalgia Canadian Multisystem Questionnaire, based on Canadian symptom criteria) Fibromyalgia affects people of all age groups, including children. There is a higher prevalence of Fibromyalgia in females, as with many other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Estimates are that as many as 1 million Australians (3-5%) experience this chronic pain condition. Fibromyalgia is also frequently associated with other conditions, such as Arthritis, Sjogrens, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and chronic headaches. SA ME/CFS/FMS Clinic Research Centre / Bridges & Pathways Institute Inc. copyright 2020 www.bridgesandpathways.org.au www.fibromyalgiaaustralia.org.au Email [email protected] 1  Patient Leaflet 1 What Causes Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia Diagnosis Research studies are investigating a wide Fibromyalgia is diagnosed with a careful range of issues including genetic history, a physical examination, as well as a components, brain inflammation, the role symptom questionnaire based on the of stress hormones (e.g. cortisol) and diagnostic criteria, and appropriate blood neuro-chemical imbalances. Other studies tests to exclude other or diagnose are searching for biomarkers and coexisting conditions. diagnostic tests. Fibromyalgia Management Most of the research findings point to a malfunctioning of the central nervous Fibromyalgia management is individually system (CNS), which includes the brain and tailored. While there is no single effective spinal cord, with resulting pain treatment or miracle cure, FMS can be amplification. Peripheral systems (soft managed at a general practice level. tissue/muscles and nerves) also Medicare care plans help monitor demonstrate some abnormalities. Body- outcomes, referral and provide improved wide symptoms may result from a access to multidisciplinary team care. dysfunctional interplay between the CNS Management is a mixture of medical and peripheral systems. interventions and lifestyle adjustments (e.g. improving sleep, reducing pain and Various triggering events may precipitate stress, pacing and modified movement the onset of Fibromyalgia including programs). infection, trauma (e.g., physical injury, automobile accident, surgery, emotional For further information, see: trauma) or the development of another Leaflet 2: Understanding Your disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Condition. It is now thought that these triggering Leaflet 3: Fibromyalgia Canadian events awaken rather than cause an Multisystem Questionnaire. existing physiological abnormality. Patient Leaflet 4: Fibromyalgia Understanding the Diagnosis and A greater understanding of the initial Assessments triggers and symptom patterns and their Leaflet 6: Introduction to Fibromyalgia variations may lead to clinical grouping and Cycle of Care. tailored treatments. Leaflet 7: Introduction to Fibromyalgia Management and Care Plans. Abnormal pain processing has been demonstrated in brain scans. Reference: 1. Leaflet “Fibromyalgia The Basics”, National ME/FM The body systems involved are complex Action Network, Canada, 2014 which may explain the individualised 2. Hauser, W et al, ”Management of fibromyalgia: key responses to medication and other messages from recent evidence-based guidelines” Pol Arch Intern Med; 2017. p. 47-56. 127. treatments. SA ME/CFS/FMS Clinic Research Centre / Bridges & Pathways Institute Inc. copyright 2020 www.bridgesandpathways.org.au www.fibromyalgiaaustralia.org.au Email [email protected] 2