I have PMR and GCA now down to 5mg pred. I had a fit or something this week. Everything went black and noise in head and I shook violently.

[rosalinda]

Husband with me said I shook and threw my book across the bed but it was brief. GP thinks not #GCA and referring to neurologist urgently but I suspect GCA. Shoulders and arms very painful head slightly sensitive, jaw slightly sore should I contact my rheumatologist?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I would call my rheumy's secretary as soon as possible if it were me. If your GP is only treating it as urgent it is very unlikely you would see anyone before New Year - urgent normally just means within several weeks as opposed to a few months. The public holidays make total chaos of the clinics and everyone gets behind - there is, after all, a limit to the number of patients you can squeeze in and first consultations always need extra time. GCA can do some strange things - in some ways it can be like a stroke. I would have thought you need to see someone this week if possible and your best bet is via the rheumy. Good luck.

[Hidden]

Hi Rosalinda,

Yes! If I had had such an episode, I would have gone to my local A&E, but you saw your GP and he must have checked you over. You may need to see a neurologist or a rheumy, but this needs a specialist's opinion

Your symptoms were very bizarre, to say the least, as 5mg of pred are unlikely to prevoke such behaviour.

Pats. Good luck.

[kingharold11]

are you on any blood pressure pills? I had a similar occurrence last year which landed me in A&E they eventually concluded after ECG and brain scan that is was some bp pills called Doxidosin (think thats how it is spelt) the cardiologist took me off them straight away and I have never had a blackout since. I actually had 3 within 24 hours twice before the ambulance arrived and 1 time when I was in hospital the next day

[rosalinda in reply to kingharold11]

I'm not on blood pressure pills, but thanks for the suggestion. I rang the rheumy's secretary today and she told me to go to my GP, I said I had done this already and she said go again. Tomorrow the GP who I respect is on duty so I'll try to talk to him as he is an eye specialist and originally diagnosed PMR'