title: Fibromyalgia: more than just a musculoskeletal disease.
abstract: Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. The syndrome is defined by the presence of musculoskeletal tender points on physical examination. Additionally, persons with this syndrome have a high incidence of headaches, ocular and vestibular complaints, paresthesias, esophageal dysmotility, "allergic" symptoms, irritable bowl syndrome, genitourinary symptoms and affective disorders. Recent research has revealed a number of objective biochemical, hormonal and neurotransmitter abnormalities associated with fibromyalgia, making it a clearly identifiable condition. These abnormalities may clarify our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of fibromyalgia.
authors.affiliation: Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C., USA.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Clauw
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans