INTERMITTENT HEAD PAIN

[horas]

HI,

Has any experienced intermittent head pain in the temple area. It is mostly dull but sometimes can be quite sharp just be above the temple it's not there all the time and have only noticed this in the last week. I have PMR and am now on 6mg Pred.

Could this be the start of GCA or signs of ageing.

Regards John

[Celtic PMRGCAuk volunteer]

John, it is really impossible for us to say, I'm afraid. Whereas we know to be on the alert for signs of GCA when suffering from PMR, it is possible there could be another cause, such as neuralgia which, from my experience, can produce the "sharp" pain you describe. It might simply be related to the steroids. Always worth getting any new pain such as this checked out though to rule out anything sinister going on. Meanwhile, remain alert for any sudden changes in your vision, such as blurriness or pain, and hot-foot it to A&E if in doubt. You could also ask a good optician or ophthalmologist to check the back of your eyes with the relevant instruments for any sign of anything suspicious just to put your mind at rest.

[horas in reply to Celtic]

Thanks Celtic,

I'll call doctor the next time I have the pain and tenderness just to make sure.

[PMRpixie]

John

I have those same symptoms frequently. My doctor says is not gca though. Sometimes I think it's where I may carry stress. He said there are sensitive muscles in that area. Than of course frequently leads to a full blown headache. Have you had your eyes tested for pressure? Mine was quite high ( 38 & 42) ophthalmologist thinks it may be pmr+prednisone. I now use a prescription eye drop and go in every 4 weeks for pressure ck and has come down albeit slowly. I think they've helped some but still feel that same pain as you describe. Post if you get any answers.😕

[Whittlesey]

Hi horas,

I have diagnosed GCA (now also PMR). I have been experiencing - those type of head pains, mainly left side.

Have a rheumatology appointment in 2 wks, rheumatologist is on vacation. A cut of aloe vera leaf has helped. I'm on 2mgs of pred.

If you have any I formation on this, would you share it? Much appreciated. Thank you. Best in health, Whittlesey

[Hidden]

Before my diagnosis of PMR I was getting terrible pain on the right side of my head. It would start with a tingling feeling. I'd take a 600 mg of Ibruprofen and it would abate, until the next tablet was due. I was told that Ibuprofen shouldn't be taken by the elderly as it can cause strokes. Since diagnosis and prescribed 10 mg of Prednisone daily all is well again. I still have the fear of GCA particularly since I start to taper the Pred in Feb by 1 mg monthly. Hope this isn't too soon but rheumatologist said for me to try. The very first day I took the Pred within an hour all the pain from PMR went away, so consider myself very lucky in that respect. I do have the occasional achy legs but that goes off.

I'm wondering whether to cover myself and take large doses of Pred with me

when I go on holiday abroad in June just in case...any advise would be appreciated. It's a cruise of the Med for our 50th wedding anniversary.

Regards Anne