Is it common for newby PMR sufferers to have a low-level headache for a day or so?

[HalleysComet]

I have rarely suffered headaches in the past, but this came on yesterday and I am wondering if it is a common occurrence in people on Prednisolone.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Have you tried paracetamol or whatever you would normally use for a headache? It isn't always PMR or pred

[HalleysComet in reply to PMRpro]

I am always reluctant to take even more pills for things like this.I am now sitting quietly after doing lots of stressful things and am chilling out.

Headache is gradually dissipating.

Lesson to oneself- go easier on myself.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HalleysComet]

Me neither - but one of the reasons for a PMR patient to have a headache may be GCA developing. If paracetamol relieves it, it is extremely unlikely to be GCA. Even in A&E they will use painkillers for minor pains - so surely it makes sense to try it first?

[cycli]

totally agree with PMRpro. I hate taking other meds but as a test its good to see. I have had that experience and paracetomol did nothing for the headache. If it's only slight it may be hard to notice a difference. Where is the pain showing in your head?

[2013mayo]

Hi,

The only time I’ve got headaches has been to do with GCA, if it’s just a normal headache paracetamol will get rid of it, nothing gets rid of GCA apart from pred at high dose to start with and then gradually taper down.

Take care.

Xx

[HalleysComet]

It was at the back of the neck and up the left side of my head. I took one Paracetamol last night and it seems to have gone now. It was probably stress-related. I really should do less worrying.

[cycli in reply to HalleysComet]

you really should not discount GCA...I thought like you. Diagnosed in June and suffered big time. If mild it may respond to a painkiller but full blown nothing stops it believe me. If GCA is developing and you have PMR at present then the GCA will come through and swamp the effect of 15mg of pred. It did for me and I went from 20mg to 40 mg in a shot. Still have slight head but in background and not a problem that's why I think the 40 isn't quite enough but not wanting more than 40 if I can cope. Be careful and wary.

[cycli]

Left side of the head...temple?...if so possibly GCA plus your mouth/jaw symptoms. Looks likely. Be prepared to adjust.

[HalleysComet]

Have a phone consultation today with GP. Will report it and ask for advice.

[springeramber in reply to HalleysComet]

Hello I had severe headaches which were diagnosed as temporal arteritis - I was put on 40mg of prednisolone and they disappeared after a few days and have never returned so I don't think your headaches are due to prednisolone but not nice to have hope you get it sorted out - paracetamol should help

[Ciar]

Along with the usual PMR symptoms, I had a ferocious headache similar to what you described...back of neck/head going to one side of forehead. It lasted weeks until I got prednisone. (At first they just gave me the methylprednisolone Medrol pack). All my symptoms disappeared within hours of the first dose, including the headache. I had several relapses because my doctor was so reluctant to give long term steroids, but that headache stayed away. Not always GCA but I think if I had continued untreated I was heading in that direction.

[artmaster]

I do get headaches & I do think I get slightly more since being on Pred but that could be just coincidence as I’ve never felt the same since takin Pred & diagnosed with PMR . If they don’t respond to paracetamol it maybe worth getting checked for GCA