GCA concerns

[Den73]

Hi all, please need some advice.I have had a heachache around my temples, not in my jaw feels tender but wouldnt call it pain, for about 2 weeks now.

Have been decreasing pred and was down to 10 mg upped the dose to 40 beginning last week, but despite taking paracetemols the pain have persisted, my head feels like its in a vice from sideways in if that makes sense.

I have Sjorgens syndrome that also causes headaches as well ??? so dont want to go rushing off to A&E

I wouldnt say the headache is excruciating, but painful enough to have me lie down.

Thank you in advance for any advice. X

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Are you still on 40mg with no improvement?

I know exactly what you mean about head feeling as if it were in a vice , so yes if this headache is different to the ones you get with Sjorgens then a trip to A&E would be very sensible.

[Den73 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DorsetLady for your reply, much valued.Yes it is very different to 'normal' headache.

I will take your advice. Xx

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Den73]

Good,

I know we often think it may be a wasted journey, but best to get it checked just to make sure.

Please let us know how you get on, snd fingers crossed.

[Den73 in reply to DorsetLady]

I will let you know the outcome, thank you again. Xx

[Den73 in reply to DorsetLady]

Sorry...yes still on 40mg

[SnazzyD]

Hello. You say it isn’t excruciating but you have to lie down so to me that says it is significant. A week of 40mg hasn’t helped. Plus it has been going on for 2 weeks so it is worth seeking advice. If you can’t stand the thought of A&E right now, I’d call 111.

Where in the temples exactly is it and what is the nature of the pain? Is chewing ok? Do you have ANY other new or returning symptoms of any sort at all? Are you a teeth clencher?

[Den73 in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi SnazzyD my jaw feels stiff not painful, sort of tender, I just dont feel right.The pain is down the soft part of the temples just above the cheekbone and goes down towards the jaw with like a tingly feeling.

[SnazzyD in reply to Den73]

What happens if you chew something for a couple of minutes? If you press your finger into the joint where your jaw hinge feels, what does that feel like?

[Den73 in reply to SnazzyD]

Tender and sort of tight

[SnazzyD in reply to Den73]

And the chew test?

[Den73 in reply to SnazzyD]

Hi SnazzyD its not painful when I chew ..but a tender feeling which seems to affect my temples more and my whole head....difficult to explain, but the first time I have felt this sensation.

[SnazzyD in reply to Den73]

It could be temporomandibular joint dysfunction BUT you don’t feel well and have to lie down with your head and not much touches the pain. Therefore you do need professional advice. Pain doesn’t have to be rendering you crying, wincing and ouching to be significant. I’d call 111 and think of any other symptoms that have crept in the seem insignificant because they aren’t as bad as the jaw pain.

[123-go]

Hello, Den73. Any new headache needs to be investigated. Please do as advised and ring 111 if only for reassurance.