Fibromyalgia Compared Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A thin line separates fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The latter results to almost unbearable exhaustion even from minor exertion of energy and it can also result to body pains like in fibromyalgia. Compared to chronic fatigue syndrome, however, the pain felt by FMS sufferers is far worse. Untrained medical practitioners, however, often find it difficult to distinguish one from the other. That's why it's important to familiarize the subtle difference of fibromyalgia compared to chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.

Common symptoms between the two conditions are numerous like body pains, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and cognitive difficulties. The patient with either FMS or CFS could also manifest low-grade fever and some muscle weakness. The big difference among the symptoms, however, is that the pain in fibromyalgia is more severe than in chronic fatigue syndrome. And, the fatigue felt by CFS sufferers are more severe than those felt by FMS patients. There are also no tender points when it comes to chronic fatigue syndrome unlike in fibromyalgia. FMS patients are also hypersensitive to pain; even a negligible stimulus can be a source of excruciating pain in fibromyalgia compared to chronic fatigue syndrome. FMS patients also manifest abnormal serotonin and substance P hormone level, while CFS patients have no problem with these two hormones. In CFS patients, however, a cellular antiviral enzyme, called RNasel, is elevated while it's normal in FMS patients.

Triggering factors between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome also differ. CFS is said to be triggered by flu-like illness; thus, it's often associated with a viral infection. FMS on the other hand is said to be triggered by physical trauma as in an accident or an operation; and emotional trauma as in a sudden loss of a loved one.

Due to the close associations between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, it's important that a patient suspecting of having either, or both, to seek a trained medical professional. Not all doctors are trained to distinguish one from the other so that you need to call the medical facility if they have a specialist before coming in for a consult.

Although subtle, the differences between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are different and correct diagnoses is always the first step for proper treatment.

 

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