My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

What exams and tests help doctors to evaluate or test people for Fibromyalgia?

Related Topics: Fibromyalgia
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

HealthwiseSUCCESS!
Healthwise
Medical Reference
A.

There are no specific tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. It often is diagnosed when other disorders with similar symptoms of chronic pain have been ruled out with lab tests. Your doctor will also ask questions about your medical history and do a physical exam.

The formal criteria used to diagnose fibromyalgia include:

  • Widespread pain that has been present for at least 3 months. Pain is considered to be widespread if it is above and below your waist and on the right and left sides of your body.
  • Pain and tenderness at 11 or more of 18 specific spots, usually occurring only when the areas are pressed. Experts call these tender points. But you may also hear them called trigger points. (Some people may have fewer than 11 tender points but still may have fibromyalgia.)

Other symptoms typical of fibromyalgia include stiffness, fatigue, headaches, painful menstrual periods, and sleep difficulties. These may get worse with increased stress, anxiety, or exertion or with changes in the weather.

A person may not meet these criteria but may still have fibromyalgia. That is why diagnosis can be so difficult.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

3 of 3 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Fibromyalgia-Exams and Tests
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise Healthwise This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
 
 
1 Answer

Next Question:

Is there a test that can be done to diagnose fibromyalgia? Next Question