Both multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia involve the nervous system and cause chronic symptoms, such as pain and fatigue. However, there are crucial differences.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition. It causes the immune system to attack the central nervous system and damage the protective covering of the nerves, called myelin.
Fibromyalgia is a complex disease that affects many body functions. The most telling symptom is general pain and tenderness in muscles and joints. Unlike MS, fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease.
Currently, the medical community does not fully understand the causes of fibromyalgia. The symptoms appear to be caused by the central nervous system sending wrong signals to the brain.
In this article, learn about the differences between MS and fibromyalgia and how doctors diagnose and treat these conditions.
Symptoms of MS/fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia and MS share some symptoms, such as muscle weakness and pain. However, there are major differences, including the types of pain and the problems that come with it:
Fibromyalgia pain
Senior man in kitchen holding shoulder due to pain shows home nurse
Fibromyalgia can cause body pain.
Fibromyalgia pain is usually very widespread and lasts a long time.
The skin may still feel tender and some areas may be more sensitive than others.
People with fibromyalgia often describe the pain as dull, aching and persistent.
Fibromyalgia pain often occurs on both sides of the body and in areas above and below the waist.
For a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, the pain must last for at least 3 months.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
Fatigue: Fibromyalgia usually causes chronic fatigue. People with the disease may need to take long breaks between activities or get more sleep.
Restlessness: Some people suffer from restlessness or restless leg syndrome. They may find it difficult to get comfortable or relax and may develop sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
Fibro-fog: This term refers to a feeling of persistent confusion or difficulty concentrating as a result of fibromyalgia. Some research suggests that this happens because the brain tries to eliminate pain, making it harder to think.
MS pain
MS affects nerves throughout the body. Damaged nerves can fire for no reason, causing pain and other sensations in one or more areas.
Pain affects people differently, but some describe it as:
a burning sensation under the skin
a feeling of numbness, as if certain areas are falling asleep
unpleasant tingling
have ants
a feeling of electricity
Severity can vary depending on the progression of MS. Some people only feel tingling, while others experience widespread, debilitating pain.
Other symptoms of MS include:
Speech changes: As the immune system damages nerves, it may take longer for signals to reach the brain. This can make speech slow or difficult.
Vision changes: Nerve damage can also affect the eyes, resulting in blurred vision or double vision. Some people experience extensive or complete vision loss.
Difficulty moving or walking: Nerve damage can cause muscle weakness in the arms or legs, which can affect the way a person walks. Their gait may be disturbed or unsteady.
Coordination: Nerve damage can also impair a person’s coordination, making them unbalanced or dizzy.
Bladder and bowel changes: People with MS may need to urinate or have bowel movements more often, for example.
Diagnostic
A doctor may recommend a blood test to diagnose fibromyalgia.
A doctor may use a blood test to diagnose a chronic disease.
Diagnosing either condition can be difficult and may involve a process of elimination.
If a doctor suspects that a person has MS, they will often use an MRI to look for brain and spinal cord damage.
If they are still unsure, they may order a lumbar puncture, which involves removing some fluid from the spine
