Basic Summary for Fibromyalgia
Main name of condition: Fibromyalgia
Other names or spellings: fibrositis, muscular rheumatism
What is Fibromyalgia?
Brief description of Fibromyalgia: A difficult to diagnose condition affecting the muscles and/or joints
Parent types of Fibromyalgia: Rheumatic conditions, Myofascial pain syndromes
Organs Affected by Fibromyalgia: joints, muscles
How many people get Fibromyalgia?
Prevalance of Fibromyalgia: 3.7 million Americans (NIAMS)
Prevalance Rate of Fibromyalgia: approx 1 in 73 or 1.36% or 3.7 million people in USA [about data]
Prevalance of Fibromyalgia: Available data suggest that the number of persons aged 18 and older in the United States with fibromyalgia is approximately 3.7 million.1 ... According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans.2
Who gets Fibromyalgia?
Patient Profile for Fibromyalgia: Usually adults over 30
Profile for Fibromyalgia: It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly, and men may also be affected. 1 ... It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly, and men can also be affected. 2
Gender Profile for Fibromyalgia: More common in women (90% are women).
What causes Fibromyalgia?
Causes of Fibromyalgia: Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about what triggers the disease. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may result from an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe the syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified. 1
Causes of Fibromyalgia: see causes of Fibromyalgia
What are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia: see symptoms of Fibromyalgia
How is it treated?
Treatments for Fibromyalgia: see treatments for Fibromyalgia
Research for Fibromyalgia: see research for Fibromyalgia
Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Fibromyalgia Research Challenges and Opportunities: NIAMS
2. excerpt from Fibromyalgia: NWHIC
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