Monday, August 20, 2007

© 1998-2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Risk factors

Risk factors for fibromyalgia include:

  • Your sex. Fibromyalgia occurs more often in women than in men.
  • Age. Fibromyalgia tends to develop during early and middle adulthood. But it can also occur in children and older adults.
  • Disturbed sleep patterns. It's unclear whether sleeping difficulties are a cause or a result of fibromyalgia — but people with sleep disorders, such as nighttime muscle spasms in the legs, restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea, can also develop fibromyalgia.
  • Family history. You may be more likely to develop fibromyalgia if a relative also has the condition.
  • Rheumatic disease. If you have a rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or ankylosing spondylitis, you may be more likely to have fibromyalgia.

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