Is GCA knocking on my door?

[skipspmr]

Every few days or so I get moderately sharp pains in my temple areas that last for a few seconds and then go away. Not very bothersome at all. But I wonder, could this be GCA knocking on my door? Or something else? Like my imagination? Skip Parker

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Do you have any other symptoms?

Are you still on Pred for your PMR? If so, what dose?

As the pains are intermittent, probably not GCA, but obviously that ‘s always the first thought for those ‘in the know’. Plus once you get GCA, it usually gets progressively worse - but best to get it checked.

[skipspmr in reply to DorsetLady]

I have PMR for about 2 years. Down to 4.5 mg prednisone.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to skipspmr]

No other GCA type pains?

If not, then think it’s probably not - but as I said get it checked if only to put your own mind at rest.

[skipspmr in reply to DorsetLady]

No. No other symptoms. All blood tests normal.Thank you.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to skipspmr]

In that case I’d be looking for something else causing issues.

[HeronNS]

I used to get these. At the time I thought it was like being stabbed with a knitting needle. These occurred mostly when I was considerably younger, even in my late teens, through to middle years, but diminishing in frequency. I think they were probably connected with being in a draft or something although I didn't make the connection for a long time. Eye-wateringly painful, but brief. My grandfather had developed trigeminal neuralgia about the same time so I was afraid that was what it was, but as it eventually resolved, probably as I became more aware of how to look after myself, it wasn't that. Now as a matter of course I avoid drafts around my head.

[SheffieldJane]

I experienced the same symptom and worried about the same thing. I then got a persistent, constant pain in my right Temple - sometimes disturbingly severe. After two weeks of humming and hawing, I went to my GP. She diagnosed a sinus infection and put me on two weeks of Amoxicillin. I have a blocked nose and my right eye streams. If you put a knife with a fork and a spoon it becomes innocent. Whew! Bloods were taken as an extra precaution. At last I can actually blow my nose.

[cataline]

I've just started to get the same problem, occasional shooting pains in left temple and similar but duller pains behind left eye. Had also been wondering if it might be early onset of GCA. Reassured to find this post, thank goodness for this community.