Fibromyalgia physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Physical examination helps not only to confirm the diagnosis of fibromyalgia but to rule out other systemic diseases. A careful physical examination also helps in identifying associated conditions. The tender-point examination is the most important aspect in the physical examination and other aspects of the examination are typically normal in fibromyalgia patients

Physical Examination

Physical examination helps not only to confirm the diagnosis of fibromyalgia but to rule out other systemic diseases. A careful physical examination also helps in identifying associated conditions. The tender-point examination is the most important aspect in the physical examination and other aspects of the examination are typically normal in fibromyalgia patients.

General appearance

• Patient looks tired
• Fatigue unrelieved by rest

Musculoskeletal

• Diffuse tenderness on multiple points

Neurological

• Sleep disturbance
• Mood disturbance
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Numbness/tingling sensations
• Stiffness
• Sensitivity to sensory stimuli such as bright lights, odors, noises

Extremites

• Fluid retention