Tinnitus and PMR

[Judigardener]

Hello, I've had unilateral tinnitus fr quite a while. Doe anyone know if it is linked to PMR?

Thanks.

[Runrig01]

Hi, is it ringing in the ears or does it sound like your heartbeat? Tinnitus is a known side effect of Prednislone, so if it's ringing this is likely to be the cause. Tinnitus isn't directly linked to PMR but a tinnitus known as "pulsatile tinnitus" is associated with GCA although it is not a common symptom. Pulsatile means pulse sounds often sounds like whooshing, and importantly it syncs with your pulse. I have this and mine lessens as steroids are increased. However if it is the more common tinnitus like ringing in the ears it is only likely to improve with reduction in dose. If it is troublesome speak with your GP, they may adjust dose, or if that's not an option they can refer you to ENT who have therapists who can help you cope with this annoying symptom. Hope it settles soon.

[Judigardener in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks for replying to me and for your advice. Onward and upward. I think it is made worse by the PMR. (Just another joys of this disease!)

Have a good weekend.J

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I don't know you could say it is linked to PMR but it can be a symptom of GCA, the more extreme manifestation of the (probably) same vasculitis. Do you have any other symptoms of GCA?

[Daisyharper in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMR Pro you have me worried now as yes I hav PMR, and I in the last couple of days seem to have developed tinnitus (whooshing in. Oth my ears, however I have no other symptoms that may indicate I am developing GCA, do you think I should go back to my GP, I have only ever seen my GP never been referred, I am on Try 10mg of Pred, trying the slow approach as I have mentioned before going from 10 to 9 caused me problems. thanks in Advance.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Daisyharper]

If it is the only symptoms it probably isn't much to worry about but I would mention it when you see your GP. I had tinnitus but it never developed to full blown GCA though I had a few very mild problems that went away, some on their own after a few weeks, others after 15mg pred. It's unlikely any doctor would do anything about a single symptom. Even aspirin can cause tinnitus or some antibiotics.

[Daisyharper in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks, will mention it to the Doc .

[Judigardener]

I've never received a GCA diagnosis but a few weeks ago ended up in out of hours with a very nasty temporal pain on one side of my head ( opposite to the tinnitus). Not GCA according to Dr.

I've extremely tender calf muscles which are not really eased off by the 13.5 Pred I'm on.

My under active thyroid is needing an increased dose. I'm seeing Dr on 23rd.