Fibromyalgia: Understanding the Least Prestigious Disease

Despite being one of the most prevalent chronic pain conditions, fibromyalgia is often stigmatized and misunderstood, leaving patients feeling unheard and neglected. A survey among doctors in a Scandinavian country 13 years ago revealed that fibromyalgia was considered the least prestigious disease. Unfortunately, the landscape remains unchanged to this day, globally.

Patients with fibromyalgia face a range of challenges, including widespread pain, fatigue, cognitive symptoms, and a significant impact on their overall well-being, including their cognitive performance, physical skills, psychological status, ability to work, and social life. Fibromyalgia often co-occurs with other systemic conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and chronic fatigue.

Shockingly, it is estimated that 1 in 20 people suffer from this debilitating condition. However, with the right understanding and approach, it is possible to effectively manage fibromyalgia and improve the quality of life for patients.

A Comprehensive Guide for Healthcare Professionals and Patients

A groundbreaking textbook, written in an easy-to-understand style, provides healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, medical students, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists, with a comprehensive understanding of fibromyalgia. The book is also an invaluable resource for patients, helping them navigate their condition, understand treatment strategies, and make informed decisions about their care.

The textbook is particularly useful for candidates preparing for competitive exams in anaesthesia and pain medicine, such as the Royal College of Anaesthetists, UK (FRCA), Faculty of Pain Medicine, UK (FFPMRCA), American Board of Anesthesiology (AB), College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (FCAI), European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (EDAIC), Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FANZA), World Institute of Pain (FIPP/CIPS), Canadian Board exams, and National Board of Examinations of India (Dip NB).

Expert Authorship

The author, Thanthullu Vasu, is a senior consultant in pain medicine with years of experience in treating chronic pain patients. He has received numerous educational awards, including a national innovative award in pain medicine, and has lectured at international, national, and regional meetings. His expertise and passion for pain medicine shine through in this comprehensive textbook.