What is the testing for fibromyalgia?

Answer 1

Testing for fibromyalgia is mainly through physical examination. There are certain points on the body that elicit a lot of pain when pressed. A rheumatologist can make the diagnosis. It is considered an autoimmune disease by some and to date there is no blood test to diagnose it.

Recently, there have been some studies that link a virus (saw this on Dr. Oz) to fibromyalgia.

The vrus is XMRV...a retrovirus.

Answer 2

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is usually based on first ruling out other potential causes of the symptoms. From there a doctor will examine the tender points. There are 18 tender points the doctor will apply light pressure to. If pain is felt in 11 of those 18 points a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia can be given. If there is pain in less than 11 points, the doctor may still diagnose Fibromyalgia if there are enough other co-existing symptoms such as migraines, IBS, TMJ or others.

Answer 3

There are currently no blood tests to determine Fibromyalgia. A diagnosis is typically made after other possible causes for the symptoms have been excluded and a medical examination has been done confirming the existence of tender points. There are 18 tender points used to diagnose Fibromyalgia, a Fibromyalgia diagnosis requires that the patient report pain in at least 11 of the 18 tender points (based on finger pressure). If there is not pain in at least 11 of the tender points, a physician may still diagnose Fibromyalgia if enough of the other common symptoms exist (including sleep disturbance, headaches, and IBS).

Answer 4

There are NO diagnostic tests for fibromyalgia. You must experience tenderness in 11 of the 18 designated spots to be diagnosed with FM.

Answer 5

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose. It can be diagnosed if the patient reports having pain for at least three months and no other causes for the pain can be found.

Answer 6

No