Stabbing headache..GCA?

[Clarbeston]

I've been plateauing on 2.5mg prednisolone for the last 2 months as we've had lots of visitors and it's been difficult to keep to our normal low key routine . I've felt ok, tried not to overdo things and thought all was under control (as much as that is possible).Last night though I experienced a fleeting stabbing headache which lasted maybe 30 seconds and repeated several times. It went when I went to bed but returned this morning on getting up. Same intermittent pattern maybe 6 or 7 times over the last 5 hours. It's always in the same place - top of my skull over my left eye. No sight issues, no problems with chewing, ears feeling a bit full but that's not unusual. The headache is not like anything I've experienced before and is very painful. Paracetamol has had no effect.

Questions.. should I be worried? At what point should I seek medical advice?

Thank you for being there

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is it IN your head or more superficial on the scalp?

I would ring the GP practice and ask for emergency advice - it is most probably nothing but you can't assume that and it is obviously bothering you or you wouldn't be asking here.

And do let us know what transpires.

[Clarbeston in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your help.. I'll keep you updated.

[Clarbeston in reply to PMRpro]

The pain seems like a knife down in the head..no tingling on scalp.

[Rose54 in reply to Clarbeston]

Hi

I had same thing a few weeks ago l went straight to A&E

Was sent home after a examination as thay said was caused through Steroids

I did not agree but pain did go and never came back

Don’t leave it get seen

[Clarbeston in reply to Rose54]

Glad you had a good outcome. It is difficult to know how to react to new symptoms.

[piglette]

I would definitely contact a doctor, they can at least put your mind at rest.

[Clarbeston in reply to piglette]

Thank you for your reply. I'll let you know the outcome.

[SheffieldJane]

I had a similar experience when I had reached 3 mgs on a taper for PMR. My Rheumatologist, who is very thorough, arranged for me to have an ultrasound scan. Unfortunately our instincts were correct and non Cranial GCA was diagnosed. I had to immediately increase my dose to 40 mgs. Please treat this as urgent. Good luck.

[Clarbeston in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you for your thoughts. I don't have a rheumatologist but will consult my GP in the first instance. I know a negative biopsy is not a definite no for GCA, is an ultrasound conclusive one was or another?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Clarbeston]

Not entirely - it still depends on the GCA affecting the arteries they can look at but with the u/s there is a wider choice - temporal, subclavian and brachial arteries are all reachable.

[Clarbeston in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks again

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

At what point should I seek medical advice?

With any new headaches asap..

[Clarbeston in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your response... confirming my feelings. Having that validation is one of the most important aspects of this wonderful forum.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Clarbeston]

Please let us know outcome ..

[Clarbeston in reply to DorsetLady]

Will do

[Numptybrain]

I too have been struggling, worth getting checked out. Mine was simply due to dropping from 20 to 15 to 10 every 2 weeks, I can still feel the horrible pressure now, not nice.

Take care

Wendy xx

[pog165g]

I have the same had every test possible and seen by a neurologist diagnosed with cluster headaches. suggest you look them up and see if they relate to your symptoms, was suggested methotrexate could be the trigger.

[Chopin002]

I am having the exact same problem, same place. Since this was a month ago could you tell me the outcome. The left of my face feels numb and stabbing pains over left eye. Down to one and a quarter pred now. I try to ignore which is probably the wrong thing to do,

[Clarbeston in reply to Chopin002]

Hello , sorry to hear you are experiencing this. I saw my GP who thought it might be some sort of trapped nerve issue as I didn't have any other GCA symptoms and my blood tests showed no inflammation. She prescribed 10mg amitriptyline to be taken 1 a day if needed and fortunately I felt ok within 2 days. I've had the odd niggle since but only fleetingly so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.I'm not expert but I'd follow the advice of those who answered my query on the forum and seek medical advice. My best wishes to you.. let me know how you go on.

Sue

[Chopin002 in reply to Clarbeston]

Thank you so much. This website is a Godsend. I am set to see a neurologist. Just hoping not GCA but could be I guess. My inflammation ok as well. Just these head stabs from time to time . Could be pred side effect too. Thanks again.

[Clarbeston in reply to Chopin002]

Just read your profile and saw that you were diagnosed with GCA originally, please don't take chances.