The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What are polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis? " � Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition that can cause stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, and hips. Sometimes it also causes swelling in joints such as the knees, hands, and feet. It usually occurs in people age 50 and older. � �
Giant cell arteritis is a condition that can cause headaches, trouble seeing, and jaw or arm pain. This condition affects blood vessels, usually in the head and sometimes in the neck. Blood vessels in the brain are not affected. Giant cell arteritis is sometimes called "temporal arteritis " � because it often affects a blood vessel in the temple on the side of the head. � �
Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis are two different conditions. But they often occur together. Usually, these conditions last between one and three years. � �
What are the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis? " � The most common symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica are: � �
- Pain and stiffness in the shoulders, hips, neck, or upper part of the body that is usually worse in the morning " � These symptoms occur on both sides of the body and last 30 minutes or longer after getting up.
- Swelling and stiffness in the knees, hands, wrists, ankles, or feet
- Feeling tired
- Weight loss
- Fever
The most common symptoms of giant cell arteritis are: � �
- Headaches " � The pain is often over the temples (sides of the forehead) but can also be in the front or back of the head. Some people also have pain in the scalp when it is touched.
- Pain in the jaw, especially after chewing or talking
- Pain or weakness in the arm, especially when you move your arm
- Trouble seeing clearly, or trouble seeing out of one eye
- Cough (that is new) or sore throat
Other symptoms of giant cell arteritis can include: � �
- Fever
- Feeling tired
- Weight loss
Are there tests for polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis? " � Yes. If your doctor or nurse suspects that you have polymyalgia rheumatica or giant cell arteritis, he or she will do an exam and order blood tests. He or she might also order an X-ray, MRI, or other imaging test. Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of your body. � �
To check for giant cell arteritis, your doctor might order a test called a biopsy. During a biopsy, a doctor takes a small piece of a blood vessel from under your skin on the side of the head. He or she then looks at the tissue under a microscope. � �
How are polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis treated? " � Both polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis are treated with medicines called steroids. (These are not the same steroids that athletes take to build muscle. These steroids reduce swelling and ease pain.) Many people feel better after taking their first dose. But most people need to take steroids for one to two years. � �
Steroids can have side effects, so your doctor will want to make sure you are on the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time possible. � �
Doctors might also prescribe other types of medicines for people with giant cell arteritis. For example, most people with giant cell arteritis also take a low dose of aspirin every day to prevent vision loss or a stroke. � �
What else can I do? " � It is important to follow all of your doctors instructions about treatment and follow-up. For example, if you have giant cell arteritis, your doctor might order a test called a chest X-ray every year to check the blood vessels in your chest. � �
It's also important to let your doctor know if you have side effects from the treatment or if you develop new symptoms. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15532 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Copyright
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �