You've probably read about fibromyalgia symptoms such as pain, fatigue and fibrofog, but the list of possible signs and symptoms fibromyalgia are far-reaching and body-wide. The following "monster list" of fibromyalgia symptoms is adapted from one put together by leading fibromyalgia expert Devin Starlanyl.
Many of these fibromyalgia symptoms also can be caused by other ailments and this list isn't intended as a diagnostic tool. Knowing the full range of symptoms, however, can help you track them either to help your doctor diagnose you properly or to help you identify triggers.
- Learn how doctors diagnose fibromyalgia.
- Find a doctor who treats fibromyalgia.
Some of the following are noted as overlapping conditions, which means they commonly occur with fibromyalgia but actually are conditions that need to be diagnosed and treated separately.
People with fibromyalgia can have any combination of the following symptoms, and to varying degrees of severity:
General Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Delayed reactions to physical exertion or stressful events
- Other family members with fibromyalgia (genetic predisposition)
- Sweats
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- Cravings for carbohydrate and chocolate
- Headaches & migraines
Muscle & Tissue-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Morning stiffness
- Muscle twitches
- Diffuse swelling
- Fibrocystic (lumpy, tender) breasts (as an overlapping condition)
Sinus & Allergy-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Allergies
- Post nasal drip
- Runny nose
- Mold & yeast sensitivity
- Shortness of breath
- Earaches & itchy ears
- Ringing ears (tinitis)
- Thick secretions
Sleep-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Light and/or broken sleep pattern with unrefreshing sleep
- Fatigue
- Sleep starts (falling sensations)
- Twitchy muscles at night
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Reproductive Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Abdominal & Excretory Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Bloating & nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Pelvic pain
- Irritable bowel syndrome (as an overlapping condition)
- Urinary frequency
Cognitive (fibrofog) Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Difficulty speaking known words
- Directional disorientation
- Loss of ability to distinguish some shades of colors
- Short-term memory impairment
- Confusion
- Trouble concentrating
- Staring into space before brain "kicks in"
- Inability to recognize familiar surroundings
Sensory Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Sensitivity to odors
- Sensitivity to pressure changes, temperature & humidity
- Sensitivity to light
- Night driving difficulty
- Sensory overload
Emotional Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Panic attacks
- Depression (as an overlapping condition)
- Tendency to cry easily
- Free-floating anxiety (not associated with situation or object)
- Mood swings
- Unaccountable irritability
Heart-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Mitral valve prolapse (as an overlapping condition)
- Rapid, fluttery, irregular heartbeat
- Pain that mimics heart attack, frequently from chostochondritis (as an overlapping condition)
Skin & Nail-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Pronounced nail ridges
- Nails that curve under
- Mottled skin
- Bruising or scaring easily
- Tissue overgrowth (non-cancerous tumors, ingrown hairs, heavy and splitting cuticles, adhesions)
2004 Devin J. Starlanyl. All rights reserved. "Fibromyalgia (FMS) and Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) For Doctors and Other Health Care Providers."
