Fibromyalgia. Part I. Review of the literature

Fibromyalgia presents with generalized body pain, multiple tender points, and associated ancillary symptoms, including fatigue and nonrestorative sleep. The abnormal sleep pattern is the most common accepted etiology for this condition. The diagnosis may be made on the basis of a classic presentation of symptoms and clinical findings. The treatment of fibromyalgia includes aerobic exercise and the use of tricyclic antidepressants to modulate the sleep disorder with less than excellent results. In spite of the frustrations in treating this condition successfully, many patients are relieved to be provided with a diagnosis and to obtain sympathetic and supportive care from their physicians.