Skip to main content
770-274-3378 Request Appointment

Fibromyalgia Specialist

Atlanta Neuro Care Daniel Tesfaye, MD Our Services Fibromyalgia

Atlanta Neuro Care

Daniel Tesfaye, MD

Board Certified in Neurology located in Conyers, GA

The chronic pain disorder, fibromyalgia, has no known cure, but with treatment from an expert in nervous system function, you can learn to manage your condition. Board-certified neurologist Daniel Tesfaye, MD of Atlanta Neuro Care in Conyers, Georgia, has been diagnosing and treating patients suffering from widespread fibromyalgia pain and associated problems like fibro fog for many years. If you're looking for a better way of managing your fibromyalgia, call Atlanta Neuro Care to arrange a consultation or book an appointment online today.

Fibromyalgia Q & A

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a poorly recognized condition that causes chronic pain throughout most or all your body. The pain may vary in intensity but is present constantly, interfering with your ability to perform everyday tasks.

You're also likely to be hypersensitive, experiencing pain when touched (allodynia), and an exaggerated response to what might usually cause only mild discomfort (hyperalgesia).

Symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary widely among patients but may include:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Depression
  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Sleep apnea
  • IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
  • Headaches and migraines
  • TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders)

One other problem that most people have is fibro fog. This describes the effect fibromyalgia has on your thinking, causing problems with memory and concentration.

You're also more likely to have autoimmune disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

What causes fibromyalgia?

It isn’t entirely clear why some people get fibromyalgia. Research into what causes fibromyalgia continues, with current evidence indicating that people suffering from the condition have higher levels of chemicals called neurotransmitters in their brains.

Other theories suggest there's an autoimmune element to the disease's origins and that chronic inflammation plays a part. There could also be a genetic influence, as your risk of developing fibromyalgia increases if other members of your family have the disease.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

No lab test can confirm you have fibromyalgia, so Dr. Tesfaye bases his diagnosis on your symptoms and by ruling out other potential causes.

There were specific criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia that involved checking 18 particular points around the body that caused excessive discomfort or pain when pressed. Some use this criteria as a screening tool.

However, a fibromyalgia diagnosis now requires that you have widespread musculoskeletal pain lasting over three months that has no other explanation.

Are there any treatments for fibromyalgia?

For now, there's no cure for fibromyalgia. However, Dr. Tesfaye can use a variety of measures to relieve the pain and other symptoms. These might include:

  • Pain medication
  • Anti-seizure medication
  • Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Practicing yoga or Tai Chi
  • Minimizing stress
  • Talking therapies
  • Pain management counseling

Using these and other measures, Dr. Tesfaye can help reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia, so you can stay active and keep the effects of your condition to a minimum.

To benefit from a comprehensive fibromyalgia treatment plan, call Atlanta Neuro Care today, or book an appointment online.

What we offer

Services