How unlikely is it for me to have temporal arteritis at 23?

[BartyJ97]

Hello. I’d say around two months ago I started having some jaw pain ,chest and neck pain. Along with my blood pressure rocketing up by around 40 points on systolic and and 20 on diastolic. I was at the Emergency Room with very strong pain in my chest and some vertigo. I was released as it was judged to be caused by stress. Around a month ago I realised that my arteries in my temples on both sides are palpable. I remember at the time they felt very slim and tight. They were accompanied by a headache/ head pressure. They over the course of a few weeks seem to have gotten larger and softer to the touch. The last week or so I’ve realised that they have become quite prominent on the side of my head. I feel a pressure at the back of my head and occasionally in the temple area. When I went to the A&E for the first these weren’t there yet.Could these be something other than GCA considering my age?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Very unlikely - could be Takayasu Arteritis - if it is you might like to have a look at this post - and see if sounds similar. healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Same post on Vasculitis forum - there is a link to that forum in the post.

Think you need another visit to A&E/ED if it’s got worse.

Please keep in contact.

[BartyJ97 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for the reply. I’ll look into Takayasu Arteritis a bit more but from seeing the most common symptoms I have had most of them.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to BartyJ97]

Okay, then please follow up with doctors.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You will struggle to find anyone to take a diagnosis of GCA seriously at your age. It doesn't mean it is totally impossible but it is extremely unlikely. Can you feel a pulse in those arteries? Have you seen an eye specialist? I don't know how your system works in Ireland - are optometrists well trained in diagnositics they are in the UK? In the UK they will dilate the pupil and examine the retina and optic nerve attachment which MAY show signs that could be found with GCA.

There is a rare arteritis that is found in young people called Takayasu's arteritis - which many doctors think only happens in Asian women - however it can occur in all ethinic groups and in both males and females.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

I think you probably do need to speak to someone who will come at it without preconceptions putting it down to stress. But again, I don't know enough about your system to say who. You have the choice of a rheumatologist or ophthalmologist.

[BartyJ97 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for the reply. I can feel the pulse on both sides. I’ve not been to a doctor in regards to this yet. I’m trying to figure out whether I should go to my GP, try to find someone who specialises in Rheumatology in my city or potentially go to the ER. Almost all my symptoms I’ve had are quite likely with Takayasu Arteritis but will a regular GP even be aware of what this is?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to BartyJ97]

It maybe be doubtful that GP would recognise TA, but hopefully they would refer to a Rheumy. But if you are uncertain, then off to hospital ER.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to BartyJ97]

There are other causes of GCA-type symptoms in young males so I suppose a rheumy may be your best bet - but even they sometimes don't see zebras when there are hoofbeats The fact you can feel pulses is a good sign.

[123-go in reply to BartyJ97]

Hi Barty. I've come late to your post but will agree with others that a GP won't have much knowledge at all of TA. If you haven't followed up as yet I would press your GP for a referral to a specialist. If you have no joy I would do a bit of internet research for vasculitis specialists in your area and hospitals where this service is available and go along to their emergency room. There is the option for you of an initial private consultation with a known specialist which would, of course, be costly but may well be worth the expense.You are very young, around the age of my grandsons, and you've touched my heart 😌. You have to advocate for yourself and I wish you well in trying to get to the bottom of your symptoms. You will do that with perseverance, I'm sure. Let us know how things go.

[cycli]

Means you are still alive. PMR pro is so dry sometimes she wouldn't get wet in a shower. Regardless of age trust your instincts. It could be serious so pursue it. A&E if necessary and no satisfactory response from Dr. or Rheumy. Bad luck if you have it but none of us volunteered for this regardless of age and circumstance.

[jinasc]

I have seen her 'wet' 🌊🚰🌊⛈🌧🌦💦

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to jinasc]

Will you lot stop talking about me behind my back

[jinasc in reply to PMRpro]

🙅 🤗

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

But we do it all the time!😂😂

[Telian in reply to PMRpro]

…..but you are loved,,,,,

[cycli]

How's it going Barty? you've been quiet. All ok?