Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Chronic Disease Affecting Lady Gaga and 2.5% of the World Population

Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Chronic Disease Affecting Lady Gaga and 2.5% of the World Population


In Brazil, patients with the syndrome represent, on average, 3% of the population and are mostly women; the discovery is made by excluding diseases

THE fibromyalgia It is a syndrome that mainly affects the muscles, causing pain and sensitivity that spreads throughout the body. Famous, like the singer Lady Gaga, they are part of about 2.5% of the world population suffering from the syndrome. Symptoms can appear for no apparent reason and do not go away on their own. Signs such as fatigue, intestinal disorders and depression are associated with them. The exams, on the other hand, are surprising: they usually do not present problems.

Many therefore experience a long “shuttle” in consultations until they get answers. In Brazil, carriers of the disease represent, on average, 3% of the population and are mostly women. The estimate is from the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (SBR). To better understand the syndrome, here are five facts you need to know about fibromyalgia, according to experts.

What are the causes of fibromyalgia?

The specific cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. According to the president of the National Association of Fibromyalgia and Related Diseases (Amphibro), Carmen Miranda, many believe that the disease is a figment of the imagination, but it is not. On the other hand, studies indicate that the origin may be in the central nervous system. What is known is that the levels of some brain hormones, such as the pleasure hormone serotonin, are lower in fibromyalgia patients, which leads to increased pain sensitivity.

Carmem says the belief that the symptoms aren’t real is one of the biggest challenges for those living with fibromyalgia. “Sometimes they treat us like crazy. They think it’s all in our heads,” she says. He says most do not have family support and, although they are entitled to a pension, many do not.

In Carmem’s case, it was symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and tingling in her feet and hands that led to her consultations. In addition, she reports (as with other fibromyalgia patients) that she suffers from “unrefreshing sleep”, in which the patient does not rest completely during sleep, feeling tired throughout the day. “We sleep and the feeling is that we are spending the night working,” she explains.

On the other hand, SBR expert Dr. Marco Loures reveals that the nervous system of people with the syndrome responds to stimuli with greater intensity. According to him, it’s like the difference in response between a car that uses internal combustion, which is slower, and an electric one, which is more powerful.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia occurs throughout the body. Along with the pain there are other symptoms, related to various areas of the body. Brain symptoms include headaches, sleep disturbances, memory problems, anxiety and depression. Patients can also report vision problems. There are also signs in the digestive system, such as stomach pain and irritable bowels, as well as swelling or tingling in the feet, hands, or face. Not to mention the 18 pre-set muscle pain points.

In addition to being aware of the symptoms, the patient should pay attention to the first sign of the syndrome: generalized pain that lasts more than three months. Family history is also a risk factor.

The physician responsible for treating patients with fibromyalgia is the rheumatologist. In primary health care units, doctors may also be sought out for symptom relief and diagnosis.

Which test detects fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is invisible in common tests, like the ones in the picture. The diagnosis is then made by excluding other possibilities. Therefore, the answer can take a lot of time and patience. Loures warns that it is necessary to carry out more than one consultation to arrive at the diagnosis.

Factors such as the duration and intensity of pain are evaluated, as well as the number of affected body regions and the resulting impairment of daily functions. Furthermore, studies show that it is possible to detect the exaggerated sensitivity reaction to pain in the brain with functional MRI. However, this test is extremely expensive. Therefore, the use is still limited to scientific research.

Is fibromyalgia treatable?

Fibromyalgia has no cure, but treatment can control symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Depending on the case, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and neuromodulators can be used. Patients should also engage in physical activity.

At 52, Carmem Miranda lives with the sensations caused by the syndrome since adolescence, but the diagnosis was only made at 30. “I thought they were other illnesses, but I took tests and never found out. When I started to feel pain, I sought medical help, but they always treated it as an emotional problem.”

The goal for the correct treatment was finally approaching when he began looking for doctors from the most diverse fields. From there he began a journey that would last five years until he put an end to the doubts he had about his body.

“The diagnosis was made by exclusion. After consulting many doctors, it was identified that I had fibromyalgia,” he says. Today, she stresses the importance of seeking quality treatment. “The disease is real. It exists and needs treatment, mainly specialist medical care and also a multidisciplinary center for treatment.”

+The best content in your email for free. Choose your favorite Earth Newsletter. Click here!

Source: Terra

You may also like