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Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis
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What Is It?
What Are the Symptoms?
What Causes It?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Who Is At Risk?
Resources and Suggestions
More Information About Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Información
en Español
What Is It?
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PAH-lee-my-AL-jah roo-MAT-ti-kah), or PMR for short, is a
condition that causes aching, severe muscle stiffness and pain.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Symptoms can start very suddenly, and may affect the neck, shoulders, upper arms, lower
back, hips and/or thighs.
- Most people with PMR have symptoms in at least two or three areas (neck, shoulders and
hips).
- Polymyalgia rheumatica usually goes away with treatment, although it can return later.
- Some people also have mild joint stiffness and swelling, as well as:
- Depression
- Night sweating
- Fatigue
- Slight fever
- Lack of appetite
- PMR is not associated with any other disease. However, some people with polymyalgia
rheumatica also have inflammation of large blood vessels that become narrow and blocked.
This is called Giant Cell Arteritis (giant cell are-TER-eye-tis).
- Symptoms include:
- Double vision
- Severe headaches
- Vision loss
What Causes It?
The cause of PMR is unknown. It may be related to the aging process.
How Is It Diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose PMR in all people, making diagnosis difficult. To
find out if you have PMR, you doctor will ask about your symptoms, perform a physical exam
and obtain certain blood tests.
Treatment Options
- Exercise
- Medications: glucocorticoids, NSAIDs
- Rest
Who Is At Risk?
Polymyalgia rheumatica usually affects adults over the age of 50. It occurs twice as
often in women.
More
Information About Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Resources and Suggestions
We Also Suggest:
- Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
- Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.
- Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
- Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
- Arthritis Today Drug Guide
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
- Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
- Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
- How to Care for Yourself
- Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.
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