A baff ling condition — and almost all

WHAT IS IT? ‘FIBROMYALGIA literally means painful muscles and it is a collection of symptoms rather than a specific disease,’ says Dr Ganesan Baranidharan, a consultant in anaesthesia and pain medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Symptoms vary from individual to individual: the most common is widespread, often intense stabbing or burning muscular pain. Joints may also feel stiff, especially on waking or after spending even short periods in the same position. Some may also have increased sensitivity to pain, so they find even minimal pressure hurts. Insomnia is another common issue.

‘Up to 90 per cent of people with fibromyalgia have difficulty sleeping,’ says Anisur Rahman, a professor of rheumatology at University College London and spokesperson for Arthritis Research UK. There can be psychological issues, too.

‘They may have problems with memory and concentration — some describe it like having brain fog,’ adds Professor Rahman. WHO IS MOST AT RISK?

MORE than a million people in the UK are thought to be affected, and 75 to 90 per

cent of sufferers are women. ‘It’s one of the things we don’t understand, but maybe women are more likely to report their symptoms,’ says Dr Baranidharan

It can affect anyone of any age — even children can develop fibromyalgia. HOW IT IS DIAGNOSED?

THERE is no definitive test. According to internationally accepted criteria, fibromyalgia is considered as a possible diagnosis if someone experiences chronic pain all over the body every day for at least three months, says Professor Rahman. ‘In addition, they would need to have

other typical symptoms such as poor sleep, forgetfulness and increased sensitivity to pain,’ he adds.

‘It can take a long time to diagnose fibromyalgia and patients are often left in limbo with no idea what is causing their problems,’ says Dr Baranidharan. WHAT CAUSES IT?

THIS is still not well understood. One theory is that it occurs when chemicals in the brain stop passing on pain messages correctly. ‘Another theory is that it is an exaggerated response to a viral infection,’ says Dr Baranidharan. ‘What we do know is

that anxiety, physical or mental trauma and sleep disturbance can play a part.’ IS IT LINKED WITH ANY OTHER CONDITIONS?

MANY health problems are more common in people with fibromyalgia including migraines, depression and tension headaches.

IS THERE A CURE?

THERE is no cure, but there are treatments for the symptoms.

One of the first treatments GPs try with patients is the antidepressant amitriptyline,

a muscle relaxant that aids sleep. ‘It is given in a very small dose — one-thirtieth of that used for depression,’ says Dr Baranidharan.

Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy may also be offered on the NHS. Acupuncture is another option. IS IT A REAL ILLNESS?

FIBROMYALGIA was first defined in 1990, but some doctors are still sceptical. ‘I know some think fibromylagia may not be a physical illness but I believe it is, along with the majority of doctors,’ adds Dr Baranidharan.