Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Pain Syndromes
Number of Conditions: 2
Fibromyalgia
Specialty: Orthopedics and Rheumatology
Category: Rheumatologic Conditions
Sub-category: Pain Syndromes
Symptoms:
widespread musculoskeletal pain; fatigue; sleep disturbances; cognitive difficulties (often called "fibro fog"); headaches; anxiety and depression
Root Cause:
A central sensitivity disorder where the brain and spinal cord process pain signals abnormally, leading to increased pain sensitivity. The exact cause is unclear, but genetics, infections, and physical or emotional trauma are considered potential triggers.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on history and physical examination. Blood tests to rule out other conditions. Tender point test (identifying specific areas of pain when pressed).
Treatment:
Medications (e.g., pain relievers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and stress management techniques. Exercise programs, especially aerobic and strength training. Sleep improvement strategies.
Medications:
Antidepressants such as duloxetine or milnacipran (SNRIs) can help reduce pain and improve mood. Gabapentinoids, such as pregabalin , are used for nerve pain and to improve sleep. Pain relievers, including NSAIDs or acetaminophen , to manage pain. Muscle relaxants for muscle spasms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 2-4% of the population, primarily women between the ages of 30-60.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Gender (more common in women). Family history of fibromyalgia or other rheumatic conditions. Trauma or infections. Sleep disturbances and stress.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic, lifelong condition with periods of flare-ups and remissions. Symptoms can be managed but not cured.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain and fatigue can severely impact daily activities and quality of life. Coexisting mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Acute Severe Headache (e.g., Ruptured Aneurysm)
Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care
Category: Miscellaneous Emergencies
Sub-category: Pain Syndromes
Symptoms:
sudden, severe headache (thunderclap headache); nausea and vomiting; stiff neck; photophobia; altered mental status; seizures; neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, numbness)
Root Cause:
Rupture of a cerebral aneurysm leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage and increased intracranial pressure.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, non-contrast CT scan of the head, lumbar puncture if CT is inconclusive, angiography for aneurysm localization.
Treatment:
Stabilization (airway, breathing, circulation), blood pressure management, neurosurgical intervention (e.g., clipping or coiling of the aneurysm), and critical care monitoring.
Medications:
Antihypertensive drugs (e.g., labetalol , nicardipine ) to manage blood pressure; anticonvulsants (e.g., levetiracetam ) to prevent seizures; calcium channel blockers (e.g., nimodipine ) to reduce the risk of vasospasm; pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1-2% of the population has an unruptured cerebral aneurysm; rupture incidence is about 6–10 per 100,000 people annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension, smoking, family history of aneurysms, connective tissue disorders, alcohol abuse, older age, female gender.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early treatment improves outcomes, but mortality rates remain high (up to 50%). Survivors may experience long-term neurological deficits.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rebleeding, vasospasm, hydrocephalus, seizures, permanent neurological damage.