الفهرس يوجد فقط 14 صفحة متاحة للعرض العام
 |  | from | 114 |  |  |
| | | from | 114 | | |
المستخلص
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. ”Tender points” refers to tenderness that occurs in precise, localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms.
According to the American College of Rheumatology, fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly, and men can also be affected.
Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about causes or triggers of the disorder. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may be caused by an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe the syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has developed criteria for fibromyalgia that physicians can use in diagnosing the disorder. According to ACR criteria, a person is considered to have fibromyalgia if he or she has widespread pain in combination with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific tender point sites.
Treatment of fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive approach. The physician, physical therapist, and patient may all play an active role in the management of fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise, such as swimming and walking, improve muscle fitness and reduce muscle pain and tenderness. Heat and massage may also give short-term relief. Antidepressant medications may help elevate mood, improve quality of sleep, and relax muscles. Patients with fibromyalgia may benefit from a combination of exercise, medication, physical therapy, and relaxation. (National Institutes of Health, December 1999).
This study was conducted on 25 patients suffering from FM and 20 normal persons. All underwent the following: full otological history, otological examination, basic audiological evaluation in the form of Pure Tone Audiometry, Speech Audiometry including speech reception thresholds and word discrimination scores was also done. Acoustic Immittance included tympanometry and acoustic reflex threshold was also measured.
ENG was performed to all patients; CDP including SOT, MCT and ADT was also performed. Mean age of patients was 40.28 years females were commonly affected than males. The mean duration of the disease was 3.6 years and the mean number of tender points was 14.2 points, range of duration was 1-10 years and range of tender points was 12-17 points.
The results showed that 16% of examined patients suffered from hearing loss. All patients had normal middle ear pressure. Dizziness was the most common complaint (44%).
Results of this work clarified that 15 subjects of FMS out of 25 (60%) had audio vestibular complaint which was confirmed by one or more sign of the audio vestibular test battery, 16% of patients revealed ENG abnormalities all was in the form of caloric weakness. On the other hand,
CDP was more sensitive as it demonstrated abnormalities
in SOT 32%, MCT 24% prolonged latencies and 12% response strength abnormalities. The major symptoms of FMS were strongly correlated to an alteration of the levels of neurotransmitters.