A few years ago I was attacked by a bunch of guys and beaten so badly that I needed plates in my face. I have now been diagnosed with fibro and I was wondering if you think the attack could have triggered the fibro off?

Hi Estelle,

I would have to say that there is a possibility that the trauma you sustained to your head and face could be the cause of your diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Many people diagnosed with fibromyalgia have a prior history of trauma, such as being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Trauma is listed as one of the possible triggers of fibromyalgia. No one can state with certainty that trauma causes fibromyalgia, but numbers don't lie, and as there are a significant number of people who have shared your experience of a trauma followed by a positive diagnosis, there is probably something to it.

Heredity has also been implicated in fibromyalgia. Any family history of fibromyalgia? Infection has also been noted as a possible trigger (eg, Epstein Barr virus, the same virus that causes mononucleosis).
Gaining in popularity is the theory that people with fibromyalgia have altered brainchemistry/hypersensitivity to pain.

To learn more about possible causes of fibromyalgia, view the section entitled "Cause" under the main menu bar.

Take care!