I have been reducing steroid intake very successfully. Last three weeks I have been down to 5mg. Feeling jaw ache in last few days and would appreciate any advice.
Should `i increase steroids and, if so, to what level. Or should I wait for a Doctor’s appointment?
Many thanks.
Jaw pain associated with GCA tends to get worse as you chew. It can be an important indicator of GCA. It is often accompanied by an unusual headache and sometimes visual symptoms. If it is GCA it could constitute an emergency and an Ophthalmic urgent care department or an A& E department in a hospital would by my first port of call. You could try your GP for an immediate appointment if possible or ring 111 if you are in the UK. Your eyesight could be at risk if you delay. Best wishes.
It really depends what you mean by jaw ache… do you mean just generally aching - if so, could be a TMJ issue, or do you mean jaw claudication , ie.hurts when you chew but when you stop chewing it stops hurting, if that then could be GCA grumbling
Have a look at this re general aches -
webmd.com/oral-health/tempo...
However if you think it GCA then you probably should consider following flare protocol - see here - but if it’s GCA then you do need medical input-
Jaw ache can be GCA but also a common cause is temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Both can cause pain on chewing but having had both, they felt different. My GCA jaw pain came on before my visual issues became more than occasional so don’t wait for eye issues before you seek help. Can you say how it feels exactly and what brings it on? Any crunchiness or cracking in the joint?
Thank you for your reply. Just aching in teeth. Started in upper cheek area where I have no teeth. Today my lower teeth have a dull ache mostly in one side.
Will take some painkillers but it isn’t really the pain which is of concern more the fear of GCA returning
Quite, which is why details are important. Is it there all the time?
Hi Snazzy. No cracking. Dull ache seems to be there when I wake up. Pain heading towards temple but not at unbearable level by any means. Pain area mainly bottom row of teeth towards the back.
GCA isn’t necessarily unbearable. My head pain was less bad than a tension headache. Whilst it could still be a nighttime teeth grinding issue that puts stress onto the teeth and jaw, morning/night symptoms can also be indicative of GCA. In the early stages I had a morning mild headache, pain in the base of my skull and sore scalp on one side. Others have a different collection of symptoms. I think medical and perhaps dental opinion too need to be sought. We can speculate but really need to have eyes on you and a poke in the right places.
Morning TB,if it is a worry for YOU then I would personally contact GP for advice.GCA ain’t to be messed with as DL,myself and others have found to their cost.My GCA presented with awful head pressure,not a headache,and my jaw only hurt when eating / chewing.I too get TMJ and the pain is entirely different to GCA jaw claudification.As I said to somebody else on here ,it helps a lot if it is TMJ to put a warm wheat bag on side of head/ jaw.Good luck and hope you get reassurance soon .xx💐😜
Many thanks for your response. Have booked a blood test for tomorrow morning and hope results will show no change to inflammation level.In the event that it is up I will try to get an appointment with my Rheumatologist on thursday. She is very accommodating but only works on a thursday which makes things tougher. Trying to stay positive. It does help
Good luck with blood tests but as the Wise Ones on here say,the markers don’t always tell the true story.My indications when I am flaring are head tingling all over,bad double groin pain,shoulders,and sweats,but we are all different.ANY eye issues at all,please don’t hang around.!Maybe Snazzy is right ,could be grinding of teeth during sleep or a dental problem.just go with your gut feeling TB,best to be wrong than do nothing and suffer consequences.Good luck to you!xx💐😜😜😜
GCA headache 
GCA relapse ?
? GCA
GCA?
