Current issue and a little concerned

[Dydee]

I am sitting here working on my laptop doing some research. All of a sudden I got pins and needles all over my scalp, not pain exactly but really uncomfortable. Then the same area began having a burning sensation and my head feels heavy. I talked to my naturapath the other day about GCA because of my left jaw and left side of neck pain but she looked at my eyes and said no, not GCA!!

I recently increased my Pred dose back up to 10 mg and the jaw pain is now almost undetectable.

Not sure if I should seek help, Saturday of course, or wait and see. Told my husband what was going on just in case I pass out and he has to tell the doc. LOL

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

With all due respect to your naturapath, unless she’s also a qualified Ophthamologist with all the relevant equipment I don’t think she can say ‘no, not GCA’

It maybe not be GCA as it’s one-sided not bilateral, but as the Pred has made a difference, you do need to monitor it.

[Dydee in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you!!! My thoughts exactly as to her comment. I realize PMR and GCA don't always follow an exact set of rules and are sure not that easy to diagnose. The strange burning and pins and needles in my scalp have passed but my head is still a bit heavy feeling. I guess when you hit 78 it's easy to become hypervigilant to abnormal feelings like this. I will monitor for sure. My eyes haven't had any issues and no extreme headache and yes, as when I was suffering from PMR before diagnosis just the left side of my neck and jaw were an issue, same area as I just had return while tapering.

[Telian in reply to Dydee]

My GCA headache was like no other, didn’t respond to any painkillers plus had numbness down the affected side - was all one sided only. I did temporarily loose vision in the eye but my vigilant GP fast tracked me to Rheumatology and Prednisolone saved my sight. I had a positive Ultrasound on that day. Negative TAB 4 days later.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

"but she looked at my eyes and said no, not GCA!!"

On what grounds? It isn't even possible for an eye specialist to look with a magnifying system and be sure. I have great respect for naturopathy - but they have no business making statements they cannot back up.

GCA pain can be just one-sided but if raising the pred helped the chances are it is due to inflamamtion. So don't dismiss it. Passing out is less likely - but visual symptoms are to be taken seriously

[Dydee in reply to PMRpro]

Gotcha! I will be vigilant and be aware of how my eyes are doing. And sorry, I should have explained that I was joking with my husband about the passing out, sorta. LOL Age and unknown health issues can present surprises sometimes. Had an elderly acquaintance that felt off one day, then a few days later had a stroke and laid on her kitchen floor for 36 hours before anyone found her. We need to pay attention to these subtle signals our body gives us.

[SheffieldJane]

Do get it checked out Dydee. No one can tell by looking at you with the naked eye. Consider A&E if it is worse on Sunday.

[Dydee in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank You, I will!

[tytto]

PMR for almost 2 years: now on 7mg pred daily. I have experienced the sensation of "pins and needles" on my head/ scalp intermittentlyeven prior to pred. Never thought to mention it to an MD -- as I often received a look as to say, "why are mentioning it?" when commenting on something that is not a known or listed symptom. As long as the pins and needles do not remain stead ----- all OK? any

comments?

[pomeranion]

SORRY FOR THE CAPS BUT I CAN"T REVERSE IT. I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING WITH THE PINS AND NEEDLES AND BURNING FOR AWHILE NOW. I TAKE HYDROXYZINE FOR ITCHING BUT DOESN"T REALLY HELP WITH THE REST. I EXPERIENCE IT ALL OVER BUT WORSE IN MY ARMS. NO PROBLEM WITH SCALP. MAYBE SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY. ANYBODY HAVE A CLUE.

[Dydee in reply to pomeranion]

I had my worst one yet today. Scalp had pins and needles but also burning that went down into my ears, then spread a bit on the front of my chest and then to the inside of my elbows and about 5 inches above and below them. Strangest thing then gradually just went away. Seems to come mostly when something stressful pops up. Go figure. I read about Paresthesia and I think that is what I'm experiencing. Could be caused by a nerve in my neck or anxiety/stress.

[Telian in reply to Dydee]

Whatever it is Dydee it needs checking out properly. Good luck.