GCA or TMJ

[Spartans1]

Started with PMR in September 2022 and now tapered to 4.5 and no symptoms. Using the slow taper, I’m to go to 4 tomorrow. In the last 3 days I’ve had a little niggle in the right side of my jaw. No headaches. The niggles go away within an hour of taking my prednisone. If it is GCA, do I need to up the dose even if the current dose does seem to work? I had been splitting my dose, but as I got to 4.5, I just take it in the morning and that seems to be just fine. No jaw issues during the night, and even now before taking the prednisone, it’s not difficult to chew. What to do? So grateful for this site and the great information from such experienced people. Thank you!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I’d be inclined to stick at 4.5mg for another couple of weeks and monitor things.. it may because you’ve changed from split dose to one dose -and body is adjusting to that.

If the niggles increase over the next week then you may need to go back to previous dose - sounds as if you might just be teetering on enough/not enough…

But don’t let things get out of control or you’ll end up requiring even more.

[SheffieldJane]

The big red flag is any eye issues such as double vision or loss of vision. Then seek immediate help. This symptom may be relative harmless but get the doctor to examine your jaw.

[Miacaro45]

I suffered with 4 months of what I thought was TMJ and my doctors and dentists agreed. Not one of the medical people thought of taking my blood. Lo and behold, my blood work was off the charts and I was lucky to go on the Prednisone as I my eyesight was leaving me. Please do not wait or you can lose a lot.

[Spartans1]

Just a new question regarding the jaw discomfort…not really a pain at all…just on the right side and no other head symptoms. Still at 4.5 prednisone. I think there was a post related to doing a “chewing” for 2 minutes and that helps decide between TMJ and GCA? No discomfort during the night and just a little twinge (that is until I start poking at it :-)Will you kindly refresh my memory on any insights into whether it’s a concern. Thank you all!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Spartans1]

This is the Australian based chewing gum test we refer to -

sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/...