Are you looking for a solution to fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue?
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are two common chronic conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. They share symptoms such as extreme fatigue, widespread pain and cognitive problems, yet they are distinct diseases with different causes and characteristics.
Dealing with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue can be a challenge, hence why having support and finding a solution tailored to your needs is essential in order to cope with the conditions.
At Turó Park Clinics we have specialists in neurology who will provide you with the medical support you need.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia syNdrome (FMS) is a chronic neurological disorder that causes constant widespread pain and fatigue among other symptoms. The disorder is quite common, predominantly in women, but can also affect men and children.
The exact cause is not known yet, but it is believed that several factors may contribute to its development:
- Genetic factors - it is thought that the condition may have an inherited predisposition.
- Infections - certain diseases and infections may trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
- Physical or emotional trauma - physical trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder or other emotional disorders have been linked to fibromyalgia.
What are the symptoms?
It consists of a deep and persistent pain that affects both sides of the body, above and below the waist. In other words, pain from head to toe. People with fibromyalgia may also experience an amplification of pain signals in their brain, meaning that they will experience pain more intensely.
The feeling of extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest. It can last for days, weeks or even months and often interferes with the ability to perform daily tasks. There is physical fatigue, which manifests as muscle weakness and physical exhaustion, and mental fatigue, which involves difficulty concentrating, thinking clearly and remembering information.
Despite long periods of rest, people with fibromyalgia often wake up tired and lacking energy. It is also common for them to experience difficulty falling and staying asleep, as well as other sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome or sleep apnoea.
Known as brain fog, it is a symptom that manifests itself in concentration and memory problems, often leading to confusion, slowness in processing information, spatial disorientation and even communication difficulties.
These are the most common symptoms, however it is normal for people with fibromyalgia to also experience environmental hypersensitivity, imbalances, mental health problems and abdominal discomfort.
¿How do you treat this condition?
Like many other neurological conditions, fibromyalgia still has no cure. However, it can be managed with a combination of medical treatments, therapies and lifestyle changes.
Medication
- Analgesics - such as ibuprofen, paracetamol and other prescription painkillers to help manage pain.
- Antidepressants - they are effective in relieving pain, fatigue and improving sleep quality.
- Anticonvulsants - like antidepressants, they help reduce pain and improve sleep.
Therapy
- Physical therapy - involves exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility and endurance for patients experiencing balance and mobility problems.
- Cognitive Behavioural TherAPY (CBT) - beneficial in managing stress and negative thoughts. which improves the patient's perception of pain and quality of life.
Lifestyle changes
- Regular exercise - with low impact activities and maintaining a consistent physical activity routine.
- Prioritising rest - maintain a regular sleep schedule and create an environment appropriate for sleep.
- Diet and nutrition - stay hydrated and maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
How is the diagnose process in Turó Park Clinics?
Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging due to the complex and variable nature of the symptoms. There is no specific test for fibromyalgia, so specialists at Turó Park Clinics must rely on a comprehensive assessment with a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose the condition.
The specialists will do a complete evaluation of the symptoms and a study of the clinical history. They will also perform a physical examination to assess pain, laboratory tests such as blood tests, thyroid function and inflammation to rule out other diseases.
Your health is our priority!
Our neurology department welcomes you for the diagnosis and treatment of fibromyalgia and CFS.
What is CFS?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a disease that unlike fibromyalgia, its main symptom is extreme fatigue. Unlike fibromyalgia, those with CFS do not experience widespread pain and pain sensitivity, but still face a complex and persistent illness that significantly affects their quality of life.
Causes and symptoms
The causes of CFS are not fully developed although it is thought that a combination of factors may contribute to its development.
Some people develop CFS after contracting viral infections such as the human herpes virus or infections such as Lyme disease.
People with SFC tend to have impaired immune function.
Significant events, whether physical or emotional, can trigger this condition.
It is common for CFS patients to show abnormalities in hormone levels, especially in hormones that regulate bodily functions and stress response.
Like fibromyalgia, it is believed that there may be a hereditary predisposition to the condition.
Symptoms of CFS include:
- Severe fatigue
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM)
- Restless sleep
- Cognitive problems
- Muscle, joint, head and throat aches and pains
How is CFS diagnosed?
In a similar way to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, our specialists will rely on a multidisciplinary assessment, as there is no specific test available to confirm the disease.
Our experts will conduct a thorough review of the patient's medical history and an assessment of their symptoms. To rule out other conditions, blood and urine tests, liver and kidney function tests, and a psychological evaluation may be performed.
What are the available treatments?
The treatments available for CFS are similar to the treatments recommended for fibromyalgia, although depending on the case, treatment will be tailored to the specific symptoms of each patient.
Medical treatment with painkillers, antidepressants and sleep medications is very common and most effective in relieving any pain and improving sleep quality. Low impact physical therapies and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are also among the most recommended treatments.
