Presenter: David Brady, ND, DC, CCN, DACBN
Format: Video of slides with synchronized audio

Research suggests that “classic” Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a central pain processing disorder and does not appear to be a peripheral somatic disorder. Dr. Brady will present a totally updated version of his extremely popular presentation from IHS in 2012 which will emphasize the concept that “classic” FMS must be clinically differentiated from the various subsets of organic, functional, and musculoskeletal problems which can lead to an erroneous diagnosis of FMS. He will then discuss the newest research into the causes of global pain syndromes, the newly revised diagnostic criteria, and an integrated approach to the differential diagnosis and treatment of FMS. Rather than be viewed as one grandiose syndrome into which all patients with unexplained widespread pain and/or fatigue are lumped, Fibromyalgia (FMS) like symptoms should result in a comprehensive work-up to properly determine the underlying foundational elements of the patients complaints. Dr. Brady will outline at least four distinct clinical subsets that exist which often lead to a true or erroneous diagnosis of FMS. All should be considered during the differential diagnosis of patients with widespread pain as the primary symptom. These four subsets are 1) “classic” FMS 2) Medical diseases which mimic FMS 3) Functional/metabolic disorders which mimic FMS and 4) Musculoskeletal disorders which mimic FMS. Specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies will be presented for each of these subsets.

Learning Objectives
- Analyze the concept of central pain processing and the consequences of dysfunction of descending inhibition
- Assess the difference between regionalized somatic pain and true central allodynia
- Diagnose patients presenting with suspicion of fibromyalgia using newly revised criteria
- Develop a diagnostic and treatment approach to patients presenting with fibromyalgia
- Evaluate the comprehensive process of differential diagnosis required in patients presenting with suspicion of fibromyalgia
- Identify the common subsets of clinical disorders that can lead to an erroneous diagnosis of fibromyalgia (i.e., pseudo-fibromyalgia)
- Review the scientific and "false" diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these disorders