Association with Peripheral Neuropathy / Linkage Agent Orange

I am a Vietnam Veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange - I served a year in Vietnam in 1966-67 with New Zealand military forces.

My daughter who is 26 has just been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (Fybromyalgia) which has necessitated her stopping her nursing career;  at this stage, she is unable to work in any form of employment whatsoever.

I note from her symptoms that quiet a few resemble those associated with  Peripheral Neuropathy.   Peripheral Neuropathy has been linked with Agent Orange by forums in America.

Can you please indicate any information whatsoever regarding an association between Peripheral Neuropathy and Fibromyalgia, if any, and any other information that could be of help to us.  Especially if there is any POSSIBLE LINKAGE to Agent Orange.

Is there any other body that I may be able to approach to find further information?

Your assistance would be very much appreciated by Leonora, my daughter, and Margaret and myself, her parents.  


Mike Perreau
20 Wynyard Crescent, Tamatea, Napier, Hawkes Bay, NEW ZEALAND, South Pacific

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am unaware of a clear association between peripheral neuropathy and fibromyalgia.  The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can be under the spectrum of fibromyalgia.  Sensations of numbness, tingling, burning, or a crawling sensation are often described in association with fibromyalgia.  Thus, it is difficult to seperate if the symptoms are coming from fibromyalgia or peripheral neuropathy.

To further diagnose this, you may want to consider a referral to a neurologist to exclude the possibility of neuropathy.  This may include electrodiagnostic testing, nerve conduction studies, or imaging studies (i.e. MRI).  

Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is difficult to treat effectively.  Possible considerations would include tricyclic antidepressants or SSRIs (i.e. Zoloft or Celexa).

Here are some fibromyalgia resources in the United States:

Fibromyalgia Network
PO Box 31750
Tucson, Arizona 85751

National Fibromyalgia Research Association
PO Box 3000
Salem, Oregon 97302

The Arthritis Foundation
1330 W Peachtree St
Atlanta, Georgia 30309

National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases
(web site: www.nih.gov/niams/healthinfo/fibrofs.htm)

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.