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Head and Neck Manifestations of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Functional Illness of the Head and Neck

Abstract

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are functional syndromes that may present with various head and neck findings. This chapter examines the diagnostic criteria of each syndrome and presents a discussion of the otolaryngologic symptoms that may accompany, but are not required for, these diagnoses. Patients with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome may experience hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, functional voice disorders, chronic pharyngitis, as well as temporomandibular joint disorders. There are multiple hypotheses regarding the possible etiologies of these symptoms, such as immune dysregulation, central sensitization, and post-viral sequelae. Current therapies for these signs and symptoms are limited to symptomatic management, and further investigation is required to elucidate the pathophysiology of the otolaryngologic findings to allow for more targeted therapies. Clinicians should monitor patients with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome for the potential development of these head and neck findings.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

    Swathi S. Rayasam

  2. Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Flora Yan

  3. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

    Ashley D. Agan

Authors
  1. Swathi S. Rayasam
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  2. Flora Yan
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  3. Ashley D. Agan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ashley D. Agan .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Otolaryngology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Brian W. Blakley

  2. Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Joan E. Blakley

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Rayasam, S.S., Yan, F., Agan, A.D. (2023). Head and Neck Manifestations of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In: Blakley, B.W., Blakley, J.E. (eds) Functional Illness of the Head and Neck. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12998-8_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12998-8_16

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