Differential Diagnosis
Fibromyalgia may present similarly to a number of disorders, or concurrently (at the same time) with other disorders. This may confuse the diagnosis. Table 1 below shows conditions that can mimic or present concurrently with fibromyalgia. Hypothyroidism and polymyalgia rheumatica can be differentiated from fibromyalgia by using thyroid stimulating hormone and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values. Sleep apnea and Hepatitis C also simulate fibromyalgia and may tend to present more often in men.
| TABLE 1: Conditions That Mimic Fibromyalgia | |
| Common | Less Common |
Hypothyroidism Polymyalgia rheumatica Hepatitis C Sleep apnea |
Autoimmune disorders
Endocrine disorders
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