Differences Between Fybromyalgia & MS

Fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis are two devastating, incurable conditions that affect the muscular system, directly or indirectly. They have some similar symptoms, but their causes, progression and treatment are vastly different.

Shared Symptoms

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis are similar to symptoms of fibromyalgia and include pain, tingling in the extremities and trouble with memory and concentration.

Misconceptions

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive disease of the central nervous system, whereas fibromyalgia is a disorder that is self-limiting and treatable. It does not lead to any other condition or disorder but can be debilitating if left undiagnosed.

Other Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia sufferers have 18 tender points on their bodies which, when touched, cause extreme pain. A confirmed diagnosis requires pain on at least 11 of the possible 18 points. Other symptoms include trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches and painful menstruation.

Other Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis sufferers experience, in one eye, partial or complete loss of vision, blurriness or double vision or pain with eye movement. They can also have electric shock type sensations when they move their head a certain way. In addition, they experience dizziness and a weak or unsteady gait.

Age and Gender

Both conditions occur during early to middle adulthood, and both affect women more than men.

References

• National Institute of Health multiple sclerosis page
• National Institute of Health fibromyalgia page
• Mayo Clinic fibromyalgia page

Resources

• Mayo Clinic multiple sclerosis page