Sometimes the symptoms of these completely different conditions can seem similar. Diagnosing them requires a series of tests that need to be conducted by medical professionals.
This article will help you get a better understanding of the difference between fibromyalgia and MS.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Patients with fibromyalgia experience fatigue, mood and memory problems, and widespread pain. The condition can sometimes develop after extreme stress or surgery. Women are more likely to be affected by fibromyalgia and the symptoms develop slowly.
The Symptoms
- Cognitive difficulties. Patients have problems focusing, paying attention, and doing mental tasks.
- Fatigue. Patients sleep for long periods of time but wake up tired. This is sometimes coupled with sleep apnea or pain during sleep.
- Pain. It is often described as a dull ache that occurs over a prolonged period of time. It happens on the left and right side of the body and both below and above the patient’s waist.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis destroys the protection of the nerves. The body wrongly identifies myelin, which protects the nerves, as foreign and destroys it. This is the reason why some scientists believe it to be an autoimmune disease.
The Symptoms
- Thinking and memory problems
- Pickling or numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Visual problems
- Troubles with balance and coordination
Unfortunately there are no tests that can determine multiple sclerosis, and there is no cure. Also, scientists are not certain about the reasons it occurs. However, there are medications that can help localize it and physical therapy might help.
Final Remarks
If you are suffering from some of the above mentioned symptoms, it is best to consult with your physician. But it helps to know the difference between fibromyalgia and MS.
