In the series "Expired", the role played by the Egyptian artist Heba Magdy reflects a real struggle that many people may experience, where sudden pains in her body force her to stop moving and noticeably affect her mood.
As the events unfold, the character reveals her diagnosis of "Fibromyalgia" after undergoing medical tests.
But what is this disease that has become of interest to many?
Dr. Mahmoud Moanes, head of the brain and nerves department at Mansoura Specialized Hospital, says that many patients do not know that their widespread body pains may be a result of what is known as fibromyalgia or "fibromyalgia".
This chronic disorder causes continuous pain in muscles and joints accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.
The disease makes those affected feel excruciating pain in several areas of the body, and the pain can spread to the entire body. Sometimes, this feeling is accompanied by numbness in the limbs, constant headaches, and sleep disturbances, which affects the psychological state.
Symptoms of the disease vary from person to person, as some women feel pain when touching specific areas such as joints or feet, and the pain is more severe compared to men.
Dr. Moanes emphasizes that women are more susceptible to this disease due to increased levels of stress and anxiety compared to men.
Treatment varies and includes two types:
The first is medicinal; the use of antidepressants and mood enhancers.
The second type includes psychological treatment, such as therapy sessions, along with exercise, relaxation, and stress reduction.
Fibromyalgia may be accompanied by other symptoms such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, bladder inflammation, and even rapid heartbeats, making the treatment of the disease a comprehensive process that requires multidimensional care.