Recognizing the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

By Mishaun Taylor

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and painful condition that, according to recent estimates, between 5 to 7 % of Americans suffer from on a daily basis. However, recognizing the symptoms of Fibromyalgia can often be difficult because of the varying nature of the pain and wide field of other symptoms. 

One characteristic common to all suffers of Fibromyalgia is the presence of multiple tender points throughout the body. Recognizing the symptoms of Fibromyalgia can often be difficult because the pain can be widespread and can vary greatly in intensity. Pain can range from a throbbing to a stabbing pain, which can make a diagnosis elusive. Pain is often more intense in the morning, and can be aggravated by cold or humid weather, fatigue, stress, and other factors.

Fatigue is another factor that can help individuals in recognizing the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Individuals suffering from Fibromyalgia experience exhaustion that regularly impedes his or her ability to complete the activities of daily living. This all-encompassing fatigue not only affects physical activities, but can drain a person mentally as well. Along with fatigue, many sufferers also have trouble sleeping because of abnormalities that occur in stage 4 of sleep. These abnormalities interrupt the deep sleep phase, not allowing the sufferer to achieve a full night’s rest.

Another factor important in recognizing the symptoms of Fibromyalgia is a symptom commonly referred to as brain fog. Common characteristics of brain fog include:

• Decreased concentration
• Difficulties with short-term memory
• Inability to multi-task
• Cognitive overload

Some studies have suggested that brain fog is directly linked to sleeping difficulties, but more studies are needed to support a direct link between sleep abnormalities and brain fog.

Other symptoms of Fibromyalgia can make recognizing the symptoms of Fibromyalgia difficult because they mirror other disorders. Some of the symptoms common to Fibromyalgia include:

• Irritable bowel and irritable bladder syndrome
• Headaches and migraines
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Impaired memory and concentration
• Restless leg syndrome
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Rashes
• Skin sensitivity
• Vision problems
• Neurological problems
• Difficulty with coordination
• Cognitive dysfunction (commonly referred to as brain fog)
• Hypoglycemia
• Prolonged muscle spasms
• Tenderness to light touch

Because of the wide variety of symptoms, recognizing the symptoms of Fibromyalgia is a daunting process. Both the sufferer and the physician must make every effort to clearly communicate each symptom in order to reach an accurate diagnosis.