Extensive Workup on Early-Onset Fibromyalgia: A Case Report

Abstract

This case report details a unique case of fibromyalgia manifested at a very early age, and the patient's suffering as a result of mis- and under-diagnosis of her condition for over a decade. For most of her life, the patient has had seemingly unrelated bouts of pain, neurological conditions, and psychiatric disturbances, and has seen numerous specialists for these conditions to no avail. The lengthy history discussion and physical examination findings, detailed in this report, revealed a progressive disease course. Providing the patient with drafts of the compiled history and data has encouraged her to reseek specialist care. With this revealed history, physical examination information, and lab results, progress has been made to diagnose and treat the patient's numerous conditions. In addition to the unique fibromyalgia presentation, the case report provides compelling justification for physicians to consider broad differential diagnoses, engage in patient-centered discussion about treatment progression, and to strengthen and maintain the patient-provider relationship.