What Tests Are Given to Diagnose Fibromyalgia?
There are no specific tests given to diagnose fibromyalgia. Since it is a condition that causes wide spread pain to millions of people, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed a standardized criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia. The diagnosis includes bloodwork for eliminating other diseases, evaluating quadrant pain, tender point exams and a history of the patient's symptoms.
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Bloodwork
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In diagnosing fibromyalgia, patients are given blood work to check for infections and other possible diseases. Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are the most common conditions that usually show up on blood tests and can have similar symptoms to fibromyalgia.
Quadrants
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A patient with fibromyalgia is asked to explain where the pain is felt. A diagnosis is considered if there is pain in all four quadrants (quarters) of the body for at least three months.
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Tender Point Exam
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The ACR has identified 18 tender points through the body. Fibromyalgia is considered when there is pain when pressure is given to at least 11 of these points.
History of Symptoms
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Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease with long term pain and fatigue. In order to diagnosis it, a patient must have a history of symptoms, lasting over months, that have not improved.
Considerations
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Unfortunately, due to the lack of available laboratory tests, it can take up to five years for fibromyalgia to be properly diagnosed. Some patients begin to suffer from depression when their pain can not be given a definitive diagnosis.
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