Scalp tenderness and pain in head

[MaybeGCA]

38 year old male with swelling in temporal artery (getting worse) as well as edema in the crown as of recent. Going to see a Dr. and wanted to get opinions on which specialist to see.

Any help is appreciated.

Josh

[HeronNS]

If GCA is diagnosed the usual specialist is a rheumatologist, but I expect if GCA is suspected you will be treated immediately by whichever physician sees you as protecting eyesight is of prime importance, before being sent off to a rheumatologist. It may, of course, be something else and require different treatment. Best of luck - hope you get the care you need promptly.

[MaybeGCA in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you. I am going to see the Dr. Next week hopefully. Other than this I'm quite healthy. Some kind of vascular issue for sure as I have lumps of veins coming out all over my head and pain on the lightest touch of the scalp. Thanks for the well wishes and I look forward to the diagnosis either way to figure out how to heal.

[HeronNS in reply to MaybeGCA]

if you get any visual disturbances, even if transient, go to an emergency department right away. Hopefully there won't be any emergencies before you see the doctor, but that sort of symtom can't wait. Do let us know how you get on!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

As HeronNS had said if it is GCA I then a rheumatologist is usually the specialist to see….but it would be unusual at your age.

Not sure where you live, if in USA then other specialists seem to get involved. Has your primary care doctor suggested any diagnosis or specialist?

[MaybeGCA in reply to DorsetLady]

Hello, I have unfortunately been without a primary care for a few months due to quitting my job to take care of my Mom and end stage liver disease. I do have insurance starting in August and am excited to go see a GP for some sort of direction. There are multiple lumps all over my head and the scalp is pin point tender to the touch. Consistent headache and pulsatile tinnitus. I am in great shape and blood pressure is not an issue so not sure what the issue is. I do have kidney issues and high potassium on my last blood test so maybe just a vascular problem over all. Thanks for the response and I will be sure to see my GP.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to MaybeGCA]

At your age you will experience problems getting a GCA diagnosis as there is an erroneus belief you have to be 50 and over to develop it. However - in the UK a 37 year old was found to have died of a stroke caused by undiagnosed GCA - and here is the media report for you to quote.

walesonline.co.uk/news/wale...

Pathologists know everything - but it is too late.

[TinaAird48]

a rheumatologist

[lcove]

Rheumatologist

[Sandmason]

I would go to the ER immediately.

[MaybeGCA]

Update...I went to the ER. Ct scan showed nothing. Recommended neurology followup. Also have a boggy feeling with edema on crown of scalp. Doctor visit on Friday.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to MaybeGCA]

Thanks for update- please let us know how you get on with next appointment.