Can Telemedicine Treat Fibromyalgia in Children? (Education)

Audience: pediatric

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain, tiredness, and other symptoms. It can affect children and teens, making daily activities harder. Telemedicine allows patients to talk with healthcare providers using video or phone calls. This can be helpful for managing fibromyalgia by providing education, support, and guidance on treatments. Doctors can discuss symptoms, suggest exercises, and recommend ways to improve sleep and reduce stress during tele-visits. However, some parts of care, like physical exams or certain tests, may need in-person visits. Telemedicine is a useful tool but should be part of a full care plan. If symptoms worsen or new problems arise, it's important to see a healthcare provider in person. This article explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for children with fibromyalgia, how to prepare for a tele-visit, and what to expect after.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe pain that limits movement or daily activities — seek urgent in-person care.
• High fever or signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth) — contact a healthcare provider immediately.
• New symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking — require prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and concerns related to fibromyalgia.
• Providing education about managing pain, sleep, and stress.
• Guiding home exercises and lifestyle changes.
• Reviewing current medications and side effects.
• Offering emotional support and counseling referrals.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams to assess tender points or joint function.
• Ordering and conducting laboratory or imaging tests.
• Managing emergencies or sudden severe symptoms.
• Prescribing or adjusting certain medications that require close monitoring.
• Diagnosing new or complex conditions beyond fibromyalgia.

What is Fibromyalgia in Children?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes ongoing muscle and joint pain, along with tiredness, trouble sleeping, and sometimes mood changes. While it is more common in adults, children and teens can also have fibromyalgia. It can make school, play, and daily tasks harder. The exact cause is not fully known, but it often involves how the brain processes pain signals.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine lets children and their families connect with healthcare providers through video or phone calls. For fibromyalgia, telemedicine can be used to:

This can be especially helpful if traveling to a clinic is difficult or if regular check-ins are needed.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Fibromyalgia

Some parts of fibromyalgia care may require an in-person visit, such as:

Telemedicine cannot replace emergency care or detailed physical assessments. It works best as part of ongoing care.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before a telemedicine appointment, it helps to:

After the Telemedicine Visit

After the appointment, you may:

Remember, telemedicine is one part of managing fibromyalgia.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space with good internet or phone connection.
• Have a list of symptoms, questions, and current medications ready.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is charged and working.
• Have a family member or caregiver available to assist if needed.
• Be ready to describe pain levels and how symptoms affect daily life.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s recommendations for exercises, medications, or lifestyle changes.
• Schedule any suggested in-person visits or tests.
• Keep a symptom diary to track changes and share at future appointments.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new issues arise.
• Maintain regular follow-up appointments as advised.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose fibromyalgia in children?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers learn about symptoms and medical history, but a full diagnosis often needs an in-person physical exam and tests to rule out other conditions.

Is telemedicine safe for managing fibromyalgia?

Yes, telemedicine is a safe and convenient way to discuss symptoms, get advice, and manage treatments. However, it should be part of a complete care plan including in-person visits when needed.

What should I do if my child's pain suddenly gets worse?

If your child experiences sudden severe pain, difficulty moving, or new symptoms like weakness, seek urgent in-person medical care immediately.

Can telemedicine help with emotional support for fibromyalgia?

Yes, healthcare providers can offer counseling, coping strategies, and referrals to mental health specialists through telemedicine to support emotional well-being.

How often should my child have telemedicine visits for fibromyalgia?

The frequency of telemedicine visits varies depending on your child's needs and healthcare provider's advice. Regular check-ins can help manage symptoms effectively.

Sources

1. Fibromyalgia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Fibromyalgia: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Fibromyalgia — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. American Academy of Pediatrics: Chronic Pain in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your child's needs. If your child experiences severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate in-person medical attention.