Slightly prominent temporal artery, do I have PMR/GCA?

[borahae]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone can give me answers and reassure me. I have health anxiety and it is worrying me so much.

I'm 20 yrs old, and back in Feburary this year after having an "anxiety attack", I noticed a slightly bulging vein on the top right side of my forehead which goes to my temple. I can feel it pulse when I touch it with my fingers.

Sometimes it is more prominent and sometimes it is barely visible. Do I have PMR/GCA? or is this something else? what could be the cause for the sudden prominence?

My recent blood test results:

ESR: 2 (3-12)

Rheumatoid factor: negative

C-reactive protein: 0 (0-8)

[HeronNS]

The chances of your having GCA are, I think, vanishingly small. First, your age. GCA is extremely rare in younger people and I have never heard of a case in a person as young as you. Secondly, you do not complain of any other symptoms, such as headache. Although I know headache is not always present with GCA, it is the most common symptom. These headaches are described as very severe and not like headaches a patient may have experienced before, so don't confuse tension, sinus, dehydration or migraine headaches for GCA. Also, veins can be quite obvious at times and this may have nothing at all to do with a medical condition. This may simply be the way you are. I do not have GCA but I have always had visible veins at the sides of my forehead. I think they may seem more obvious if I'm a bit dehydrated.

If you have no other apparent symptoms the next time you have a regular office visit, say for a vaccine booster, flu shot or whatever, ask your doctor. The fact that your recent test results are well within the normal range is a good sign. In the meantime I believe it will be safe for you to relax and enjoy your summer.

All the best.

[Hidden]

Hello boragae

I think it’s highly unlikely & a little of Dr Google can lead you into various thoughts & ideas.

I would suggest you talk to your GP to explain your fears/concerns & maybe they can throw some light on your situation.

Wishing you all the Very Best

MrsN 🌷

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

Very unlikely. Please talk to GP and get tests done if necessary - and reassurance.

[Blearyeyed]

Hi,

Sorry that your health worries are causing you anxiety .

As the others have said , GCA / PMR are rarely diagnosed in people under 50 , and people under 20 with similar symptoms would usually be checked for conditions that are similar but affect that age group.

It is possible for your temple arteries to show up naturally if they are near the skin surface when the blood flow in your head increases during exercise , or a head ache , or increased stress , even if it is just hot or cold.

If you are having head aches , or palpitations as well , when it happens then it is worth discussing this with the GP so they can give you a general examination to check for anything , and maybe prescribe the right medication to help with that.

Discuss your Anxiety with your GP too as they may be able to help with that , and reducing your stress and things that trigger your anxiety may solve the physical symptoms that come with it.

Keep an eye on your physical symptoms and try and find some relaxation techniques and activities that you enjoy and find calming and this may help too.

Take care

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As long as you can feel a pulse in that artery it is very unlikely you have GCA.

[Ginny52]

My husband saw my bulgy temporal veins and made me go to the Western Eye Hospital a&e (as I’d had a GCA scare before- they looked at my optic nerves and said it was fine and my nerves looked pink and healthy- and I’m 66!