Fibromyalgia (cont.)
What is in the future for fibromyalgia therapy?
The key to unlocking the mystery of fibromyalgia has yet to be
found. Research scientists have been studying numerous viruses as
potential causes for fibromyalgia. Identification of an infectious agent
or toxin which causes the disease may one day lead to a laboratory test
which can help doctors diagnose fibromyalgia. Until further research
uncovers the exact cause of the disease, specific treatment aimed at a cure
remains unattainable.
New drugs may be developed that block substance P or nerve growth factor to relieve pain of fibromyalgia. Many fibromyalgia patients can be helped by
improved patient
education, proper exercise, and medications. With ongoing
research, the
future will certainly improve for those affected by fibromyalgia.
Recent research has suggested that drugs that block more
than one brain nerve transmitter, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), can be effective in treating fibromyalgia.
Cymbalta has been effective in treating depression and relieving pain in people with depression. Additional research suggests that the drug pregabalin may be helpful by blocking nerve pain in patients with fibromyalgia. More research is underway to evaluate the potential of these new treatments.
- Fibromyalgia causes pain, stiffness, and tenderness
of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable inflammation.
- Fibromyalgia does not cause body damage or deformity.
- Fatigue occurs in 90% of patients with fibromyalgia.
- Irritable bowel syndrome can occur with fibromyalgia.
- Sleep disorder is common in patients with
fibromyalgia.
- There is no test for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
- Fibromyalgia can be associated with other rheumatic
conditions.
- Treatment of fibromyalgia is most effective with
combinations of education, stress reduction, exercise, and medications.
For further information about fibromyalgia, contact:
Arthritis Foundation
(http://www.arthritis.org/)
PO Box 19000
Atlanta, GA 30326
Last Editorial Review: 7/30/2008
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