ALS and Fibromyalgia, are they related?

[pmelitus]

I am a 52 year old female, recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  I have been in pain for most of my life and for most of my life the doctors tagged me as a hypochondriac!  I understand, however it doesn't lessen my pain or anguish.  I just saw the Fibro Hope commercial for the first time two weeks ago and it made me cry to know that I am not alone anymore and there are people out there that really do understand just how I feel.

My first debilitating episode was in 1982 and has increased in frequency ever since.  My pain is now constantly with me and I take Flexoril and Vicodin.  My symptoms include MONSTER migraines, the medication Verapamil does mask the pain but not the aura, dizziness or nausea.  The symptoms of migraine occur several times daily so driving is out completely and other things have to be postponed on a regular basis, until my vision clears enough to see.

My mother died from complications of Familial ALS in 2001, she had two uncles who died within ten years of each other and one brother who died several years before her.

Since Fibromyalgia and ALS are both neurological disorders, are they related?  What type of tests are done to rule out ALS?  Should I be seeing a neurologist?  Neither of my family physicians seem to be concerned about ALS, so should I be seeking another?

[fayzee1]

I hope you are being treated now by a Rhematologist. Fibromyalgia is the #1 Diagnosis for them above Arthritis. They are the specialist for Fibromyalgia. Stand tall, you are not alone. I have Fibromyalgia and had to leave a high two figure income career I loved in 2002 because of the pain and exhaustion along with insomnia i suffer. Not sure about the ALS question. But I do know it is companion to Chronic FAtigue Syndrom. I take oxycontin (low dose) 2 am and 2 pm along with percocet for pain management. Also, neurotin helps to sleep better. If you haven't done so, you really need to see a Rhematologist.

[patsy10]

If you had ALS you would have actual muscle wasting and weakness.  It shows up an an EMG.  I don't believe it is terribly painful except for some muscle cramping.