Press Release

10/10/2008

Fibromyalgia: Raise awareness of chronic pain disease. Nicolae Vlad Popa and Frieda Brepoels MEP

Members of the European Parliament discussed this week further measures to tackle chronic pain disease, or fibromyalgia. Five co-signing Members of the European Parliament written declaration 69/2008, emphasised the need for colleagues to join them in their initiative by signing the declaration. This declaration will be the first step in mobilising European policy makers and national Member States to examine the issues surrounding fibromyalgia.

"The main issue around fibromyalgia is the scepticism surrounding the disease. 12 million patients in Europe are often encounter disbelief when they talk about their illness and symptoms. The lack of understanding is quite devastating for a patient. The aim of the written declaration is to raise awareness of fibromyalgia and help develop a Community strategy in order to recognise this condition as a disease. We do hope that in addition to the 172 MEPs who have already been involved in our cause, the remaining ones will follow", said Nicolae Vlad Popa.

"The European Parliament declaration and the press conference in the context of European Week against Pain are only the beginning of the process to improve the quality of patients' lives and the recognition of fibromyalgia as a disease. We will keep on supporting this cause both on European and on national level"", added Frieda Brepoels.

Fibromyalgia is characterised by a unique kind of pain that is widespread and persistent, and often described as a deep, diffuse tenderness, soreness or flu-like aching. The pain of fibromyalgia is usually accompanied by other core symptoms including poor sleep and fatigue. It is estimated that between 1-3 percent of the general population suffers from fibromyalgia - almost 14 million people in the EU. Fibromyalgia is significantly more prevalent in women, who account for approximately 87 percent of diagnosed cases; however, men can also develop the disorder.

Fibromyalgia has been recognised by the WHO as a disease since 1992, although it is still questioned by a number of medical professionals and some health authorities. Fibromyalgia is a chronic and often debilitating pain condition. This year European Week against Pain, starting on the 20th of October, will be dedicated to fibromyalgia. And for the first time, the EFIC (*) will launch not only a European Week against Fibromyalgia, but also a European Year against Fibromyalgia.

(*) "The EFIC (European Federation of ISAP Chapters) is a multidisciplinary professional organisation in the field of pain science and medicine, made up of the 30 European Chapters of IASP (International Association for the Study of Pain)."

For further information:
Nicolae Vlad Popa MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845576
Frieda Brepoels MEP, Tel: +32-2-2845862
Delia Vlase, Tel: +32-476-331038

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 288 Members from all 27 Member States.