Have had PMR for eleven months. Now slow tapering from 9mg to 8mg and going quite well. Just to mention, also: I have been tense for some time and would not be surprised if I have anxiety pain.
Yesterday I developed a new type of headache. Back of the neck on left side, radiates up to scalp. I've had tension headaches before in the back of my neck and it feels like that. BUT the top of my head is very painful to the touch and also, like the neck pain, it is irregularly pulsating pain (i.e. not in time with my pulse) . When I say severe, I don't mean sensitive, I mean real pain when it is touched. Sometimes the top of the head pain radiates to my ear. All on the left side.
My question is: if this is GCA (I have no other symptoms) would it be relieved by paracetamol? I do seem to get relief, although the pain returns after a time.
Written by
ChinaWuntoo
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
A few more details would help as DL says but medical opinion may well need to be sought sooner rather than later. Could be GCA, could be shingles (can be excruciating), could be something as simple as sternokleidomastoid muscle tension that can mimic GCA, could be something else. Any change of eyesight needs a trip to A&E. I found that Paracetamol did not help my GCA pain and it just escalated.
I had these pains on and off during the morning and afternoon yesterday with only very short periods between. At times it got very worrying and I considered 111. I took paracetamol when I went to bed and slept until 4.30am when I was woken with severe headache. This morning was the same as yesterday but this afternoon was almost free of pain. I had taken paracetamol at lunch time. I also had dealt with some of my tension-inducing challenges (including getting a story book finished, printed and distributed to the great-granddaughter). Then it returned late this afternoon. Again paracetamol seems to have helped a bit. Hope that answers the question.
Yesterday I got very hot in the face - this sometimes means my blood pressure is up - and it was but had gone down when checked a couple of hours later. This morning it was up again - still within safe levels but high for me (I keep regular checks).
Is it my imagination (!) or do I feel a sort of numbness on my left cheek? Also wonder about slight earache. I certainly have had temporal pain at times since diagnosis of PMR but not at present - this is what has confused me.
I know that I need to run to A&E if I have vision problems - I check morning and evening by reading the books on the shelves across the room!
I've just read the Abdul Qayyum Rana et al article on a differential diagnosis of GCA and tension type headache and it seems to fit my situation.
PS I had shingles many years ago - this is not like that pain.
I'm thinking that with the GP (I have to convince the receptionist that I need to speak to him! Urgghh) is to say I suspect GCA, then give HIM the symptoms and see what he says - and be ready to make my case for a speedy referral to a rheumy, hopefully not the one I sacked but who won't lie down!
Just a thought: does anyone know of a London hospital that has someone who knows about PMR/GCA. I have some recollection that Kings and Imperial may have a fast track GCA. , perhaps Moorfields? I have no idea of what the GP might have at his fingertips.
You have asked that before. Nowhere in central London has a fast-track set-up as far as we know. Someone did say they had a good consultant at one hospital but I can't remember which.
GP (a young locum) agreed that my symptoms could indicate GCA so sent me to A&E where (another youngish) doctor did lots of tests and confirmed negative.
It's good to meet doctors who obviously know what PMR and GCA mean!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Head pain with GCA
GCA question
Recent GCA diagnosis and now constant left sided chest pain
GCA
