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Post-traumatic fibromyalgia. A long-term follow-up
1Department of PM&R, Riverside Methodist Hospitals, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus 43214.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Post-traumatic fibromyalgia, often triggered by accidents, shares symptoms with spontaneous fibromyalgia. Most patients experience persistent symptoms and clinical evidence years later, with reduced use of physical therapies.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pain Medicine
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Post-traumatic fibromyalgia (PTF) is a chronic pain condition.
- Understanding the long-term prognosis and symptom presentation of PTF is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic fibromyalgia.
- To compare symptom presentation and treatment utilization in PTF over time.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up study of 176 individuals diagnosed with PTF between 1980-1990.
- 67 participants completed questionnaires and underwent physical examinations using American College of Rheumatology criteria.
- Assessed symptom onset, tender point counts, and utilization of various treatments (biofeedback, medications, physical therapy, etc.).
Main Results:
- Most common onset: motor vehicle accidents (60.7%).
- 85% of patients continued to have significant symptoms and clinical evidence of fibromyalgia at follow-up.
- Dramatic reduction in physical treatment use, with 54% using OTC pain meds and 39% on antidepressants.
Conclusions:
- Symptoms of PTF are similar to spontaneous fibromyalgia.
- Long-term prognosis for PTF is often characterized by persistent symptoms and functional impairment.
- Treatment strategies may need to adapt to long-term management of chronic pain in PTF patients.