Multiple sclerosis (MS) and fibromyalgia are very different conditions. However, they sometimes share similar symptoms and signs.
Both conditions require a variety of medical tests for a diagnosis. Before you begin any tests, you may be able to distinguish your symptoms and decide if they’re signs of one of these conditions. Your doctor can help, too.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by musculoskeletal pain that affects the entire body. In addition to chronic pain, fibromyalgia causes increased drowsiness and fatigue, as well as mood and memory issues.
Medical researchers and doctors don’t fully understand what causes fibromyalgia. However, it’s believed the condition amplifies the natural pain sensations. In other words, people with fibromyalgia appear to experience normal pain in an overly painful way.
One symptom, more than any other, may be able to help you decide if you’re experiencing the signs of either MS or fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia symptoms
Pain associated with fibromyalgia is chronic and widespread. It’s described as a dull, aching pain. To be classified as fibromyalgia, a person must experience the chronic pain for at least three months. Also, the pain must occur on both sides of the body, above and below the waist.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Memory issues. “Fibro fog” is a term applied to the confusion, difficulty focusing and concentrating, and changes in memory that people with fibromyalgia often experience.
- Mood changes. Depression is not uncommon in people with fibromyalgia. Also, people with fibromyalgia sometimes experience mood swings.
- Chronic fatigue. Fibromyalgia causes a great deal of fatigue. People with fibromyalgia are prone to long periods of sleep and rest. However, many people with fibromyalgia also have sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome.
MS symptoms
MS destroys the protective coating around your nerves and eventually the nerves themselves. Once damaged, the nerves may not be able to feel or experience sensations as well as healthy nerves.
The symptoms associated with MS vary depending on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. It’s common for people who have MS to have significant chronic pain, eventually experiencing numbness and weakness in affected areas. Tingling and mild pain can occur, too.
Other symptoms of MS include:
- Difficulty walking. You may develop an unsteady gait and have trouble walking. Coordination and balance are also challenged.
- Slurred speech. As the myelin is worn away, communication from the brain may slow down. This can make speech seem more difficult, and you may have a harder time speaking clearly.
- Vision problems. Vision disturbances like double vision and complete or total vision loss can occur. Eye pain is common, too.