Intermittent headaches

[Exflex]

for the past two or three weeks I have experienced low grade headaches, predominantly on the left side over the eye, and temples. No scalp tenderness, and as far as I can tell jaw claudication is absent and no visual disturbance. The pain is sudden like a twinge and disappears after 5 to 10 seconds, but repeat itself after a few minutes sometimes longer, eg hours. Seems to be worse if I use my iPad.

Don’t know what to do other than consult my GP practice, explain and ask for blood inflammation markers (I’m told the NHS allow CRP or ESR, but not both unless in a hospital setting; wondering too which of the two inflammation tests are more indicative of GCA). I would be interested and grateful for the views from others. An A+E visit might be over the top unless my GP says go.

Currently on 0.5mg Predisolone having tapered over 4-5 weeks from 0.75mg using the DorsetLady schedule. If I did not have the symptoms mentioned I would begin another 0.25mg drop from 0.5 to 0.25mg using the same slow taper. CRP was 7 at my last blood test in May ‘23.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi,

I think it’d be looking at eye test initially [especially if it’s worse after using a smaller screen] - do you have a good rapport with your local optician/optometrist - and likely to get an emergency appointment tomorrow - or maybe try contacting primary eye care as detailed in this link -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

As it’s been occurring for a while, pity you left it to weekend…but I’m guessing you were waiting to see if things improved..

By all means request blood test from GP, and take what’s on offer…. obviously should things worsen then a trip to A&E is on the cards…. Hopefully not.

Please let us know how you get on.

[Exflex in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for your speedy response, DorsetLady.

Things getting worse would be severe pain in the temples, jaw and scalp, and potential eye disturbance from my readings here.

Im wondering if the opticians would class a headache as something they should get involved with, as I can see quite clearly without glasses for reading fine print, and although short sighted since age 16 I’m now officially allowed to drive without specs.

I think I’m guessing too many aspects, and should consult the professionals.

Thank you once again. Just texting with you as someone who has had GCA helps.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Exflex]

Im wondering if the opticians would class a headache as something they should get involved with….in my opinion, a good one should, even though you say you can read okay… just to rule out anything else they may consider.

 SnazzyD has replied on posture as well as visual disturbances…. But as you have PMR [and I think it’s unlikely to be GCA] there is always a connection that need to be considered, no matter how small….

[SnazzyD]

Regards eye issues, it isn’t always the case that your eyesight gets worse but that you get anomalies like grey spots, flashes of light, double vision etc.

Advice has been given about the eyes so I’ll just flag up the possibility of postural influences given that you say it is worse when you use your eye pad. The neck’s sternokleidomastoid muscles, if tense, can mimic GCA so keeping them in a good state is useful. Have a read of this.

healthline.com/health/stern...

[Exflex]

Thank you SnazzyD.

When I’m conscious of what I’m doing - like using the iPad too much - I’m normally seated with my head tilted towards my chest. I’ve started already on the exercises and will try to curtail my iPad screen time.

[SnazzyD in reply to Exflex]

I have a little stand to put mine on and sit at a table. If I’m on the sofa, I pile up cushions to stop my head going down. Trouble with that I get shoulder tension because I’m holding my hands up to type 🙄.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I agree with Snazzy about the posture question. Amazing what a cricked neck can do!

Impressive vision changes though - my husband had got to no longer needing glasses to drive but had developed the short arm problem, couldn't see anything to read!

[yogabonnie]

I agree as I have experienced the same thing. I think it is definitely postural. I have arthritis in neck also which doesnt help... but there are lots of videos on line regarding self massage with neck. Check out Bob and Brad on You TUBE. type in Bob and Brad Neck issues.... it will pop up. they are wonderful psysiotherapists with GREAT exercises. A goofy couple of guys but absolutely remarkable.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to yogabonnie]

You know one of them (the taller one, Bob) has some nasty neuro thing, ataxia of some sort, and they now have another guy working with them

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Mike, I think…. And yes Bob is not looking at all good….

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

I think he has the same thing a friend of mine in the UK has - but she developed it after Covid.

[Lclmlbls in reply to yogabonnie]

Bob and Brad are wonderful. Pre PMR I suffered for years with hip pain. I saw my GP, various physios and a consultant gave me a steroid injection. Nothing worked. Then I discovered a simple exercise demonstrated by Bob and Brad. In 15 minutes the pain had gone! Whenever I feel any discomfort I do that exercise for a few minutes and the pain goes. It was the ‘pendulum’ exercise. What a shame they don’t have a remedy for PMR!

[yogabonnie]

that is next!