Diffuse pain syndromes in the elderly.
Diffuse pain syndromes are common in older persons. Fibromyalgia and PMR are the most common but other inflammatory, endocrine and neoplastic diseases may cause diffuse pain as well. A thorough history and physical examination, screening laboratories and response to a trial of low-dose steroids may help to differentiate between syndromes. Fibromyalgia may be a secondary phenomenon associated with some of the other diffuse pain syndromes. This should be kept in mind if a patient fails to respond appropriately to treatments directed at a particular disease.
Gowin
K M
KM
Asheville Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center, North Carolina, USA. drkrisg@aol.com
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011111:Polymyalgia Rheumatica / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence