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Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia is diagnosed according to criteria established in 1990 and 2010 by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Absence of radiographic or laboratory abnormalities.

History of chronic widespread pain of more than 3 months which affects, at least, three of the four quadrants of the body.

Axial skeletal pain (the 80 bones forming the central axis of the human body) and pain in 11 of the 18 tender points upon palpation.

And also incorporat a symptom severity scale to take into account the presence and severity of the somatic clinical symptoms of fibromyalgia:

Fatigue.

Waking unrefreshed.

Cognitive symptoms.

Areas of pain.

The patient must have these symptoms for at least 3 months and must not have any other disorders that could explain the pain.

Tests used to diagnose fibromyalgia

There is currently no specific medical or laboratory test to detect the presence of fibromyalgia or to make an automatic diagnosis.

It is important to perform a multidisciplinary assessment of each patient including:

Clinical examination. A clinical assessment and examination by a rheumatologist (laboratory tests and/or complementary tests to rule out other diseases that may produce similar symptoms, the history of the pain should be recorded and a physical examination performed).

Psychological assessment.

Physical assessment.

Functional/occupational assessment. An analysis of the patient’s activity with respect to activities of daily living around the home, in the workplace and leisure activity.

Substantiated information by:

Ana Arias Gassol Occupational therapist Rheumatology Service

Antonio Collado Cruz Rheumatologist Rheumatology Department

José Pérez Ruiz Rheumatologist Rheumatology Department

Xavier Torres Mata Psycologist Service of Psychiatry and Psychology

Ángel Fernández López Physiotherapist Rheumatology Department

Published: 28 December 2018
Updated: 28 December 2018

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