Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Fibromyalgia (Education)

Audience: pediatric

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and tiredness, often affecting children and teens. It can make daily activities hard but usually does not cause serious harm. Telemedicine can help you learn about fibromyalgia, manage symptoms, and get advice from health providers without leaving home. However, some signs mean you should see a doctor or visit a clinic in person. These include sudden severe pain, new weakness, or other unusual symptoms. Knowing when to seek in-person care is important to stay safe and get the right help. This guide explains common red flags, what telemedicine can and cannot do for fibromyalgia, and how to prepare for a virtual visit. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but does not replace face-to-face medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe pain unlike usual fibromyalgia pain—seek emergency care immediately.
• New weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving limbs—go to a healthcare facility promptly.
• High fever, unexplained rash, or persistent swelling—visit a doctor in person without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and concerns about fibromyalgia.
• Providing education on symptom management and lifestyle changes.
• Monitoring stable symptoms and medication side effects.
• Answering questions about fibromyalgia care and support.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing new or unclear symptoms that may indicate other serious conditions.
• Performing physical exams or tests that require in-person visits.
• Managing emergencies such as severe pain, neurological changes, or infections.
• Administering treatments or procedures that need direct medical supervision.

What is Fibromyalgia in Children?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes ongoing muscle and joint pain, tiredness, and sometimes sleep problems. It can affect children and teens, making it harder to do everyday activities like school or play. Doctors do not fully understand why fibromyalgia happens, but it is often linked to how the brain processes pain signals.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Children with fibromyalgia often feel pain in many parts of their body. They may also feel very tired, have trouble sleeping, or feel sad or anxious. Symptoms can come and go and may get worse with stress or illness.

When to Use Telemedicine for Fibromyalgia

Telemedicine can help you talk to a healthcare provider about symptoms, get advice on managing pain and tiredness, and learn about treatments. It is useful for routine check-ins and questions about fibromyalgia care without needing to travel.

Red Flags: When to See a Doctor In Person

Some signs mean your child needs to see a healthcare provider face-to-face right away or go to an emergency room:

If you notice these, do not wait for a telemedicine visit—seek urgent care.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your virtual appointment:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

If symptoms change or you have concerns, contact your provider or seek in-person care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your child's symptoms, including when they started and how they affect daily life.
• Gather information on current medications, supplements, and treatments.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with a reliable internet connection for the tele-visit.
• Have a device with a working camera and microphone ready.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on medications and therapies.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new or worsening symptoms occur.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help diagnose fibromyalgia in children?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers learn about your child's symptoms and decide if fibromyalgia might be the cause. However, a full diagnosis often requires a physical exam and tests that need to be done in person.

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

If your child experiences sudden, severe pain that is different from their usual fibromyalgia pain, you should seek in-person medical care immediately, as this could indicate a serious problem.

How can I manage my child's fibromyalgia symptoms at home?

Managing fibromyalgia often includes gentle exercise, good sleep habits, stress reduction, and following your healthcare provider's advice on medications or therapies. Telemedicine can provide guidance on these strategies.

Is fibromyalgia dangerous for children?

Fibromyalgia is usually not life-threatening but can significantly affect quality of life. It is important to manage symptoms and watch for any new or unusual signs that might need urgent care.

When should I choose in-person care over telemedicine?

Choose in-person care if your child has new or worsening symptoms like weakness, numbness, high fever, rash, or severe pain. Telemedicine is best for routine questions and stable symptom management.

Sources

1. Fibromyalgia — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Fibromyalgia Information Page — National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).
4. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare provider or emergency services.