Prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of polyneuropathy: a cross-sectional analysis based on electromyographic findings

Zafer Ceyhan

Prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of polyneuropathy: a cross-sectional analysis based on electromyographic findings

Abstract

Aims: The clinical overlap between fibromyalgia and polyneuropathy (PNP), particularly due to similarities in pain and sensory symptoms, necessitates their concurrent evaluation in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fibromyalgia in consecutive patients referred to the electromyography (EMG) unit with suspected PNP, to examine the association between fibromyalgia and clinical as well as electrophysiological findings, and to emphasize the importance of a holistic diagnostic approach in this patient population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 177 patients referred to the EMG Unit of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital with a preliminary diagnosis of PNP who underwent nerve conduction studies. Data were collected through face-to face questionnaires and EMG examinations performed by an experienced physician. Sociodemographic and clinical variables (age, sex, and pain severity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale [VAS]) were recorded. Fibromyalgia was evaluated according to the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria. Electromyographic findings were categorized according to whether PNP was present or absent. Results: The mean age was 60.7±11.7 years, and 66.1% of the patients were female. EMG evaluation revealed PNP in 49.7% of the patients. The prevalence of fibromyalgia was 54.2% and was significantly higher in female patients (p<0.001). Patients with fibromyalgia had significantly higher VAS scores than those without fibromyalgia (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that female sex (OR: 4.7) and higher VAS scores (OR: 1.4) were independently associated with fibromyalgia (p<0.001 for both). Conclusion: Fibromyalgia is highly prevalent among patients evaluated for suspected PNP, particularly in women and in those with greater pain severity. Given the substantial clinical overlap between fibromyalgia and neuropathic symptoms, a holistic diagnostic approach is essential for effective multidisciplinary pain management.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

None.

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Ondokuz Mayıs University Clinical Research Ethics Committee (OMUKAEK 2025/98). The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Thanks

The author would like to thank Dr. Zeliha Ceyhan for her valuable contributions to writing and proofreading, and Nurse Nurcan Öztürk for assistance with data collection.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Pain, Rheumatology and Arthritis, Diagnostic Radiography, Peripheral Nervous System, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Zafer Ceyhan ^*
0000-0001-8879-5052
Türkiye

Publication Date

May 22, 2026

Submission Date

January 11, 2026

Acceptance Date

April 5, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 3

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA39ZE73NR

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Ceyhan, Z. (2026). Prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of polyneuropathy: a cross-sectional analysis based on electromyographic findings. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, 8(3), 424-428. https://izlik.org/JA39ZE73NR

AMA

1.Ceyhan Z. Prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of polyneuropathy: a cross-sectional analysis based on electromyographic findings. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj. 2026;8(3):424-428. https://izlik.org/JA39ZE73NR

Chicago

Ceyhan, Zafer. 2026. “Prevalence of Fibromyalgia in Patients With a Preliminary Diagnosis of Polyneuropathy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on Electromyographic Findings”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8 (3): 424-28. https://izlik.org/JA39ZE73NR.

EndNote

Ceyhan Z (May 1, 2026) Prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of polyneuropathy: a cross-sectional analysis based on electromyographic findings. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8 3 424–428.

IEEE

[1]Z. Ceyhan, “Prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of polyneuropathy: a cross-sectional analysis based on electromyographic findings”, Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 424–428, May 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA39ZE73NR

ISNAD

Ceyhan, Zafer. “Prevalence of Fibromyalgia in Patients With a Preliminary Diagnosis of Polyneuropathy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on Electromyographic Findings”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8/3 (May 1, 2026): 424-428. https://izlik.org/JA39ZE73NR.

JAMA

1.Ceyhan Z. Prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of polyneuropathy: a cross-sectional analysis based on electromyographic findings. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj. 2026;8:424–428.

MLA

Ceyhan, Zafer. “Prevalence of Fibromyalgia in Patients With a Preliminary Diagnosis of Polyneuropathy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Based on Electromyographic Findings”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, vol. 8, no. 3, May 2026, pp. 424-8, https://izlik.org/JA39ZE73NR.

Vancouver

1.Zafer Ceyhan. Prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of polyneuropathy: a cross-sectional analysis based on electromyographic findings. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj [Internet]. 2026 May 1;8(3):424-8. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA39ZE73NR