Fibromyalgia Syndrome:
Canadian Clinical Working Case Definition,
Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols
A Consensus Document
I. Jon Russell, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine
University of Texas Health Science Center
Director of the University Clinical Research Center
San Antonio, Texas
From the "Preface"
"The authors range from clinicains investigators to basic scientists. The basic scientists were selected for this role because their work has borne important overlap with the directions being taken by clinician investigators in each of the two fields. It is fair to say that the contents of the resultant papers represent a current summary of the 'state of the art' in FMS and MPS..."
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Charles W. Lapp, MD
Director: Hunter-Hopkins Center; Charlotte, North Carolina
Assistant Consulting Professor, Duke University Medical Center
Advisory Committee for CFS: US Department of Health & Human Services
Board of Directors: International Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
“A MONUMENTAL WORK! For the first time, a single text documents signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, physical evaluation, and treatment – all the fine points – that were previously known by only a few skilled specialists. Other physicians have frequently asked me, ‘Is there a reliable and authoritative text dealing with Fibromyalgia Syndrome?’ Until now, I could offer none. This text is an exhaustive and all-encompassing work that WILL HELP ANY PRACTITIONER TO BETTER UNDERSTAND AND MANAGE FIBROMYALGIA. I will recommend it to all my colleagues!”
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Roberto Patarca-Montero, MD, PhD, HCLD
Advisory Committee for CFS: US Department of Health & Human Services
Chairman: Education Subcommittee
“I highly recommend this COMPREHENSIVE, WELL-REFERENCED, AND PRACTICAL TEXT as a required resource for healthcare professionals and patients alike. This work provides a scientifically and clinically sound framework for further study in the field of fibromyalgia. Prepared by well-regarded authorities, the statements and reviews on the levels of evidence that support proposed treatments and causal factors are particularly informative.”
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Dieter Pongratz, Dr. Med.
Professor: Department of Neurology
University of Munich Hospital
Friedrich Baur Institute, Munich, Germany
“REALLY USEFUL, NOT ONLY FOR PHYSICIANS, BUT ALSO FOR PATIENTS. This book is AN EXCITING CONSENSUS DOCUMENT based on the work on an international panel of experts selected by Health Canada. It deals with the clinical definition, diagnosis, treatment, and international research activities related to the Fibromyalgia Syndrome. In my opinion it should become a bestseller in this field.”
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Sandra Jones Sickels
Vice President, Marketing
The Haworth Press, Inc
Exert from letter to Marjorie van de Sande
"We thank you for your efforts in putting together the expert consensus developed by the Health Canada Fibromyalgia Syndrome Committee. We hope that this publication helps professionals and CFS sufferers throughout the world."
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Pat Goodman
Co-Owner of Canwest FM Support Group
I would like to extend my congratulations and appreciation to you and all your associates for your hard work and contribution to, in my opinion, the most beneficial document ever to have been produced for Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
I have had FM for twelve years and as I was reading through the document the one realization that kept coming to mind was how what I was reading was giving me answers to questions that no one had been able to answer for me.
The consensus document may have been prepared for clinical practitioners use but the information provided is incredible for the personal education of FMS sufferers. The explanations of the various symptoms have put into understandable description what we who suffer have not been able to describe to other people or our medical practitioners. I finally have answers to questions which have remained elusive until now.
Thank you. You have done a great service for all of us!!
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Joyce George
Fibromyalgia Association of Saskatchewan
Dear Marj,
A big thank you from all the FM people in (I was going to say Saskchewan) but let's make that Canada and wherever ... for all the work you did to produce the FM Definitions, etc. Just wish FMAS could afford to give it to every doctor in the province. Well done, good and faithful volunteer!
We welcome your comments about the FMS Consensus Document.
Please send them to Marj van de Sande