Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex physical illness characterized by chronic widespread pain of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons and generally accompanied by other signs and symptoms.
Pain
Sleep
Sleep disturbances may be in the form of difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings or poor quality of sleep, feeling unrefreshed on awakening. Patients say that no matter how much sleep they get they never feel rested or refreshed.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of Fibromyalgia. Fatigue will present in the form of mental or physical exhaustion. Patients will have reduced functional capacity compared to pre-illness levels. Over-exertion will not only induce fatigue but also exacerbate other symptoms. Rest does not relieve the symptoms. The level of fatigue and functionality varies with patients. Some FM sufferers can hold jobs and participate in daily activities but at a lower level than they have in the past. But for some, the burden of pain, fatigue, lack of sleep, cognitive impairment and other symptoms leaves them unable to perform normal activities.
Cognitive Impairment
The term often used when referring to cognitive impairment in Fibromyalgia is "fibrofog". General symptoms are confusion, forgetfulness, poor concentration, and difficulties with speaking, short-term memory and word retrieval. They may feel overloaded or over stimulated by noise, light or a busy environment. Attending a social gathering can leave them physically and mentally drained.
Other Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is often accompanied with a complex array of symptoms involving the neurological and autonomic systems. See Diagnosis. Many people with Fibromyagia also have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
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