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Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

There are no specific tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. You will probably have lab tests to make sure that you don't have other conditions that cause pain. These include rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases. Your doctor will also ask questions about your medical history and do a physical exam.

ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ use a set of guidelines to diagnose fibromyalgia. You may be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if you have:

  • Widespread pain. Pain is widespread if it's above and below your waist and on the right and left sides of your body.
  • Other symptoms such as fatigue, trouble sleeping, and trouble thinking. If these symptoms are severe, widespread pain may not be as important in the diagnosis.
  • Symptoms that have lasted for at least 3 months.
  • No other medical explanation for why you feel this way. (For example, you don't have another health condition or disease.)

Fibromyalgia is sometimes diagnosed or described using pain and tenderness at 18 specific spots on the body. These spots are called tender points. You may also hear these called trigger points.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

Open Trials Closed Trials