What are the key symptoms of fibromyalgia? : Results of a survey of the German Fibromyalgia Association

INTRODUCTION: A new definition of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) based on symptoms and without tender points is discussed from a rheumatological viewpoint. METHODS: The German Fibromyalgia Association (DFV) developed a questionnaire on potential symptoms in FM based on a list of symptoms established by members of the DFV. The questionnaire was sent to all 3,996 members of the DFV. RESULTS: Of the 753 questionnaires 699 were returned (95% women, most frequent age between 50-60 years) and evaluated. The rank order of the most frequent symptoms (>/=97% of the respondents) was muscle pain with varying locations, low back pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, non-restorative sleep, concentration problems, lack of energy, low productivity and forgetfulness. CONCLUSION: The key symptoms of FM are chronic widespread pain, non-restorative sleep and subjective disabilities. The frequency of general and extra-musculoskeletal symptoms underlines that FMS is more than just a "pain disorder".


Schmerz. 2007 Dec 21

[Article in German]

H?user W, Zimmer C, Felde E, K?llner V.

Zentrum f?r Schmerztherapie/Innere Medizin I (Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Stoffwechsel- und Infektionskrankheiten, Psychosomatik), Klinikum Saarbr?cken gGmbH, Winterberg 1, 66119, Saarbr?cken, Deutschland, whaeuser@klinikum-saarbruecken.de.