Visual disturbances

[Jocelyn344]

Every time I reduce to 10mg, or 9.5mg, every week or so I get visual disturbances which are akin to thos in migraine, but do not have any headache. The visual defects last 20-30 minutes and are quite distressing. Also with this lockdown stress, my digestion has also been playing up. Control my type 2 diabetes by diet, so am on low carbs, plenty of protein ( meat & fish). Should I increase the pred dose? Have found the odd 1mg tablet helps.

[Hidden]

Hi, I really think you need to get checked out regarding potential GCA. At the very least try to see an optician, but 111 and a and e to get checked out is the best thing to do... now. Not tomorrow. Hospitals are using different entrances etc for covid and you will be seen in the "cold" areas, not the "hot" covid areas.

[Jocelyn344 in reply to Hidden]

Trouble is I am over 70, classed as a vulnerable person, and live 30 miles away from the nearest a&e. Did ask GP about this last Autumn, and was told it was a painless migraine. It has taken me ag s to reduce thebpred dose, 0.5mg at s time, using a tapering dose, and the visual defects started occuring once I dropped below 15. Could try my local optician, to see if someone could see me. But being in Scotland the lockdown has been fierce for us elsderly, not even allowed to go to a chiropodist.

[Hidden in reply to Jocelyn344]

It does sound too suspicious those that reduction is associated with visual disturbances. It is classed as an emergency healthwise, as pmrpro always says, it's an emergency like an heart attack or stroke is, so please don't just sit on it get some help. Asap. I have diabetes and high BP but wouldn't hesitate to go to hospital if I started getting visual disturbances. Sight is a precious thing.

[Jocelyn344 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the advice, have spoken to my optician, who has reassured me that it is migraine, with no headache, which was ccurs as we get older. He is contacting my GP about the pred dose needing adjustment

[Hidden in reply to Jocelyn344]

The main thing is to get that reassurance isn't it.

[Jocelyn344 in reply to Hidden]

Oh, indeed. Thank you

[jinasc in reply to Jocelyn344]

Use this service now and tell them everything and I mean everything, in particular the visual disturbances and how long they are lasting and do it now.

The Scottish NHS 111 service, launched yesterday, is the 'complete contrast' to the English version, the Scottish health minister has said. ... 'In Scotland, the 111 number will be run by NHS 24 as a public service, in public hands - serving the needs of patients.

Launched on 1 May 2014 posted on 2nd May on the internet.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jinasc]

Still has its moments, believe me!!!

[Fifegran in reply to Jocelyn344]

I am also in Scotland, in Fife, and my optician has a notice on the door with contact details in an emergency, maybe worth checking yours online for information, you never know!

[Jocelyn344 in reply to Fifegran]

Thank you, will do

[Jocelyn344 in reply to Fifegran]

Thank you for the advice. My optician has been in contact and has reassured me that it is migraine without the headache. He will be contacting my GP to correct the pred dose. Very grateful for you r help

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Pred is used in migraine sometimes and that could be why it recurs at lower doses. Have you been referred to a neurologist?

The fact its been going on so long makes me slightly less concerned about GCA but it really does need to be looked at by someone more expert in the field than a GP.

[Lyndaki]

Definitely needs checking out! I have GCA & was told in no uncertain terms to contact eye emergency or 111 if I have any visual disturbances. Please make contact with someone. (I’m also 70 but needs must in this case)

[manjan]

I also had just the symptoms you describe when reducing the prednisolone coming down by one or even a half mg. I took them to be a migraine, also had the deadly fatigue, the awful ringing in the head, pain in the areas affected by pmr...etc. I told the rheumi, she showed no surprise.....

[Jocelyn344 in reply to manjan]

Optician was most helpful, said I was lucky not to have the headaches. He will be contacting my GP to discuss Pred dose.