Fibromyalgia
By: Gabrielle Shook
Who discovered FIbromyalgia?
Many doctors took part in the finding of fibromyalgia.
One doctor stuck out in the discovery of fibromyalgia.
His name was Sir William Gowers and he introduced
the term fibrositis, which means inflammation of the
​fibre.
Who's doing research? What's the current status of research for Fibro?
Many research studies are being conducted all around the world. One specific study is being done by Muhammad Yunus, MD. He found genes that are all the same in the HLA region in his research study. Studies are still being done with other areas and how the brain handles the pain they go through.
What are signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
Musculoskeletal pain; numbness, tingling, fatigue or insomnia, headache, and cognitive and psychiatric symptoms.
How common is this disease?
Approximately 2% of the US population has Fibromyalgia. The world wide population of individuals with Fibromyalgia is about 4%. All ages and genders can be diagnosed with this, but it is most common for women in their mid-life to be diagnosed with it.
What is the typical prognosis of someone with FIbro?
The prognosis of a patient with Fibro is that they will live a long life. But, because they constantly live with pain, numbness, depression, anxiety, headaches, etc..., they will be on medications for most of their life. There is not a cure for Fibro, but the medical field provides many opportunities to improve their lives and limit the pain. Many patients will attend therapy sessions with a psychologist and attend physical therapy to improve their muscles and allow for a comfortable life. Also, they will use many medications to improve pain and everyday life. Patients may not be able to keep a steady job.
More Information about the Inheritance of Fibromyalgia
Fibro is not usual passed from parent to child. Often, it will occur in clusters in generations later. The gene type that must turn on in the carrier is called a monogenic gene. It is the same genes that determine your eye and hair color. It is a normal inheritance but commonly doesn't get diagnosed. It is not a mutation but just a trait that may or may not happen.