Fibromyalgia triggers
Fibromyalgia is often triggered, or exacerbated, by a physical event such as:
- an accident or injury
- a viral infection
- giving birth
- having an operation
It can also be caused by emotional or psychological stress and is known to have arisen following the breakdown of a relationship, being in an abusive relationship, or after the death of a loved one.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, but it is seven times more likely to be diagnosed in women than men. The condition tends to develop between the ages of 30 and 50, however, it is not uncommon for it to occur in people of all ages – from the very young to elderly.
Fibromyalgia is often referred to as an invisible illness – it is a pain syndrome of chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. The pain is thought to be caused by abnormalities in the pain pathways in the central nervous system. Other symptoms are believed to be caused by sleep abnormalities.
Fibromyalgia specifically means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, generally all the softer, more fibrous tissues in the body. There is a sense, according to most patients, of ‘aching all over’, with the related symptoms of a chronic case of flu. Muscles often feel as if they have been pulled or worked too hard and there are instances where muscles may twitch or feel like they’re burning. Cognitive abilities can also be affected with many patients reporting having ‘brain-fog’, where they find functions such as concentration and memory to be impaired.
Can you claim compensation for fibromyalgia?
If your fibromyalgia symptoms were caused, or were made worse, as a result of another person’s negligence, then you may be eligible for a fibromyalgia compensation claim. For example if you were involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, had an accident at work, or had a slip/trip, you may be able to claim compensation for your losses.
In order to claim, you will need to be able to demonstrate that the negligence was the cause of your fibromyalgia symptoms. Additionally, the value of your claim will depend entirely on the severity of your symptoms and the effect it has had on your ability to work.
Medical experts will be instructed to assess your symptoms and provide their opinion on the effect your accident has had on your quality of life, and how that is likely to change in the future. If you are looking to make a claim, the general rule is that you must claim within three years of knowledge of the negligence which caused your symptoms, however, there are exceptions to this rule.
If you are suffering an injury due to clinical negligence or suffering from fibromyalgia, CRPS, or any chronic pain condition as a result of an accident that was not your fault, and even if you have an existing claim, get in touch with Brian Barr Solicitors to see if we can assist. It is simple and hassle free to move your claim to Brian Barr Solicitors who are experts in dealing with chronic pain litigation. Call us today on 0161 737 9248 or visit our website (www.brianbarr.co.uk) to find out more.
We do not endorse any research, studies or sources mentioned within our blogs and comments. The blog is for information purposes only as we are not medical professionals. We do not endorse any medical advice provided and would strongly recommend anyone seeking medical advice to contact their local healthcare provider before any changes to treatment and / or management of your condition is undertaken.
