Diagnosing fibromyalgia and the importance of diet

Some New York City residents who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia may not actually be suffering from the syndrome. In fact, uapproximately percent of patients who were diagnosed with fibromyalgia may have received a misdiagnosis and may be suffering from another condition or medical problem, according to one medical expert. This also may mean that patients may not be receiving the treatment that they need.

Patients may be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if they complain about vague body pain and fatigue. However, these symptoms can also be present in a variety of other conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune connective tissue disorders, cancer and multiple sclerosis. As such, it is always recommended that doctors order laboratory testing to rule out some of the other potential conditions the patient may be suffering from.

If a patient is correctly diagnosed with fibromyalgia, there is evidence that suggests that changing the diet may help. Because fibromyalgia can have some accompanying inflammation, removing foods that can cause immunogenic activity may have an impact on the person's pain levels. An ancestral Paleo diet, which removes certain grains, dairy and legumes, can reduce the amount of inflammation and pain perception that someone with fibromyalgia may experience.

When patients receive a doctor misdiagnosis, they may find that there condition has worsened or that they suffered through pain that could have potentially been treated. A medical malpractice attorney may review the circumstances to determine if the practitioner was negligent when attempting to provide a diagnosis. It will be necessary to show that the error constituted a failure to exercise the required standard of care, and the opinions of medical experts will be a critical element in that regard.