Since 9 days, I have been developing bulging temporal arteries on both temples (they're suddenly very visible with also a very visible pulse). This started off with only the right temple, but has now progressed to both temples along with a headache on both sides and a rash on both temples. When visiting the doctor, he is more thinking a headache because of stress or bad ergonomics while working, however, he told me to come back in 2 weeks (especially because of elevated blood pressure).
Although it seems like I'm not at all the profile of GCA (male, 26-year old, otherwise healthy), if looking for what else it may be I'm only finding GCA as possible explanation for the symptoms I'm having.
What are your thoughts? I'm thinking of going back to the doctor next week at least.
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The question of age isn't proof that you don't have GCA although it is unusual in the twenties. Have you taken over-the-counter meds and if so have you had any relief? I would definitely go back to the doctor very soon as any any new headache needs prompt investigation and especially as your blood pressure is elevated. I wish you well.
A rash is not usually associated with GCA, nor is high blood pressure (not before steroids anyway).....but any new headache, particularly with high blood pressure should be viewed with a bit more urgency than your doctor is doing.
Please see him again, and sooner rather than later.
Just as a matter of interest, have you been tested for Covid-19? Headache and rash are symptoms.
Do you have no other symptoms? There are other types of vasculitis in the young but usually there are other signs. One thing that the docs specifically noted on me to support diagnosing my GCA was NO pulse in the temples.
Covid could be a cause as DL says as the symptoms are varied, including rash which isn’t a usual GCA feature. They seem to like testing within the first week though.
It still needs looking at but in the meantime do look at making sure your neck muscles are ok, especially if you’ve been doing a lot of desk work and are stressed. My husband has been working from home and it has played havoc because although he has a deck job normally, he just doesn’t get up and move any more.
Whatever your cause is, it is good practice to make sure your sternokleidomastoid muscles are properly stretched because tension can cause symptoms mimicking GCA. I know from experience.
I agree with DL and Snazzy - IS Covid a possibility? And the raised BP needs looking into at your age so do go back soon.
It is extremely unlikely that it is the GCA we talk about on the basis of your age and you may struggle to find a rheumatologist who would consider it. The fact you still have good pulses is also a factor against it. However, there is a case report in the medical literature:
Hi denote. Sounds very like GCA. You are walking a tight rope between hurting your doctor's poor little ego and getting on steroids as soon as poss. I know cos I've been there. In my case I spent a fortnight thinking I was going to go blind or have a stroke any minute until I saw a doctor who knew his stuff. I would def go back to the doc asap and use your diplomatic skills, if you have any - I knew I didn't have so would just have to wait- to try to persuade him/her. It seems that GCA symptoms are very clear cut - when you put them in to the computer only one diagnosis comes up. I kept wanting to say to the doc "Just look it up on google" but knew this would probably be my death knell! Good luck with it. Could you try seeing another doctor in the practice? I never thought of that at the time. My heart goes out to you - it's a horrible thing to live through.Fasttrack
Hi everyone, thanks a lot for all your kind answers. I went to get a COVID test on Friday, which came back negative. I still think COVID may be a possibility given that I have had a few positive cases in my near proximity this week. Also, my symptoms seem to be improving (temporal artery on right temple much less visible, while that was the first one to show) and headaches becoming less. Rash also started disappearing on both sides. Hopefully my symptoms continue to improve - I will keep you updated nonetheless.
One possibility is to suggest to your practitioner that it sounds like GCA, send him/her the link to Mayo Clinic GCA page (or some other reputable source) and then urge he/she consider this as a possible source of your headaches and bulging temporal arteries. My wife lost vision in her right eye after 2 months of similar “blame the victim” run around, misdiagnosis, and missed diagnosis. It took her permanently losing her precious sight before an opthamologist in the emergency department recognized the symptoms and immediately prescribed prednisone. (Additional symptoms were jaw pain and bad breath - ‘sorry dear...)
I wish you well and urge you to not mess around with GCA or with médicos who won’t take you seriously.
Hey everyone,I visited my doctor yesterday since after my previous message my symptoms kind of went up and down. Temporal arteries are much less visible, however, headache in temporal region is still very much there (and kind of killing me in all daily activities). Doctor was very understanding, did all kinds of tests to check for GCA (which all indicated to him it was not GCA). However, he also ordered bloodwork (incl. ESR) and an ultrasound to rule it out. Just got back the ESR rate (which was 0) and probably will do the ultrasound later this week. Thus, it seems very unlikely it is actually GCA so far. However, still puzzled on what it actually is then...
As an update to my previous post, also got results of all the other blood tests (incl. CRP) - all of them seem okay. Will get an ultrasound early next week... Still having these crazy headaches in the meantime :/
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