What kind of dr diagnoses fibromyalgia

One was the wife of a physician. They had both been told that they had fibromyalgia but neither wanted to accept it, despite the fact that they had all the criteria," says Dr.

They want another diagnosis that they think will be more treatable. New and better research pointing to possible underlying causes of fibromyalgia seems to be winning over at least some of the skeptics.

Using tools like functional MRI, which show the brain's response to pressure and heat stimuli, researchers have been able to measure how people with fibromyalgia process stimuli like pain and pressure. Some key differences have been discovered between fibromyalgia patients and those without the condition. Researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor have found that patients with fibromyalgia have what's called a "hyperexcitable" nervous system.

In other words, pain networks in their brains are more easily activated than people who don't have fibromyalgia. Other researchers have also found impairments in a specific brain region that helps to inhibit the body's response to pain among people with fibromyalgia.

In this way, fibromyalgia is somewhat similar to epilepsy. Backonja says. Yunxia Wang, M. Wang, a neurologist at the University of Kansas who says that about 15 percent of her practice now involves patients with fibromyalgia. While treating her for MS, I realized that she was using her steroid medication too much.

She told me it was because of pain. I wondered if it was because of the fibromyalgia, so I added her on pregabalin without changing her MS treatment. For over a year and a half, she hasn't had an attack and she's doing much better with her pain. So a patient could have an underlying neurologic disease and also have fibromyalgia.

This is interesting and I don't want to be left out. Not all neurologists are embracing fibromyalgia, however. Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be difficult, as there's no specific test to diagnose the condition.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary and are similar to those of several other conditions. Your body will also be examined to check for visible signs of other conditions — for example, swollen joints may suggest arthritis, rather than fibromyalgia. If your GP thinks you may have fibromyalgia, they'll first have to rule out all other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

Harte SE, et al. The neurobiology of central sensitization. Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research. See also Acupuncture Antidepressant withdrawal: Is there such a thing? Antidepressants and alcohol: What's the concern? Antidepressants and weight gain: What causes it? Antidepressants: Can they stop working? Antidepressants: Side effects Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you Antidepressants: Which cause the fewest sexual side effects?

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Complementary and alternative therapies for pain and stress management aren't new. Some, such as meditation and yoga, have been practiced for thousands of years. But their use has become more popular in recent years, especially with people who have chronic illnesses, such as fibromyalgia. Several of these treatments do appear to safely relieve stress and reduce pain, and some are gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine.

But many practices remain unproved because they haven't been adequately studied. Because many of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to various other disorders, you may see several doctors before receiving a diagnosis. Your family physician may refer you to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other similar conditions rheumatologist.

In addition to a physical exam, your doctor will probably ask you if you have problems sleeping and if you've been feeling depressed or anxious. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis In the past, doctors would check 18 specific points on a person's body to see how many of them were painful when pressed firmly.

More Information Fibromyalgia or not? Complete blood count CBC Sed rate erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.