Current pain and headache reports
-
The view that fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a psychiatric disorder or can be caused by stress or abuse is unproven. The construct of posttraumatic FMS has not been adequately validated. ⋯ More research examining specific psychological processes in FMS is desirable. Because of the potential for harm to patients, clinicians should be cognizant of possible undue influences on medical opinion by agencies providing health care and research funding.
-
Curr Pain Headache Rep · Aug 2001
ReviewClassification, epidemiology, and natural history of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia (FM), also known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and fibrositis, is a common form of nonarticular rheumatism that is associated with chronic generalized musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and a long list of other complaints. Some have criticized the classification of FM as a distinct medical entity, but existing data suggest that individuals meeting the case definition for FM are clinically somewhat distinct from those with chronic widespread pain who do not meet the full FM definition. Clinic studies have found FM to be common in countries worldwide; these include studies in specialty and general clinics. ⋯ Although some authors claim that an epidemic of FM has been fueled by an over-generous Western compensation system, there are no data that demonstrate an increasing incidence or prevalence of FM; moreover, existing data refute any association between FM prevalence and compensation. Claims that the FM label itself causes illness behavior and increased dependence on the medical system also are not supported by existing research. This article reviews the classification, epidemiology, and natural history of FM.
-
Fibromyalgia is a multisystem illness. One of its defining features, generalized pain, may also be present in other rheumatic entities. ⋯ This article discusses the different rheumatic and nonrheumatic diseases that overlap or are prone to be confused with fibromyalgia. It emphasizes the key points in the differential diagnosis.
-
Although characterized by a variety of symptoms, chronic widespread pain is the primary complaint bringing most patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) into the clinic. The etiology of this painful condition is unknown, and any possible relationship between pain and the many other symptoms of FMS is unclear. ⋯ The intent is to present criteria that should be considered in the search for biological events that contribute to FMS pain. Based on this approach, examples are proposed of factors that fulfill some criteria and may, therefore, deserve further study for their possible role in pain associated with FMS.
-
This article discusses the headache disorders associated with physical and sexual activity, highlighting their differences and similarities. The place of exertional and sexual headaches in the classification of the International Headache Society and in the proposed classification of Indomethacin-Responsive Headache Disorders is addressed here. The Valsalva's maneuver as a shared pathophysiologic mechanism is mentioned as well. ⋯ Sexual headaches are divided into three subtypes, based on the onset time, related to orgasm. The clinical characteristics of each type are presented, and their etiologies pointed out. The diagnostic approach is discussed, as well as the nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options.