Characterizing fibromyalgia flares: a prospective observational study

INTRODUCTION: Although most patients with fibromyalgia describe periods of exacerbation of their symptomatology, there are very few studies describing its characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recruited a total of 124 patients from our outpatient clinics who agreed to a follow-up of at least 6 months. All of them were asked to note and describe whether they had had any worsening of their symptoms during that time. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients (75%) reported at least one flare, with a mean of 2 flares per patient. The mean duration of flares was 11 weeks. The most frequent triggers were: continuous stress (56%), intense stress (39%), physical overexertion (37%) and climatic changes (36%). The most common actions taken by patients were rest and medication. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of fibromyalgia patients experienced flares within 6 months. The symptoms and measures taken are similar to those patients usually take when they notice a worsening of symptoms.