Topic Overview
What are polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis?
Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis are
problems.
In polymyalgia
rheumatica (say "paw-lee-my-AL-juh roo-MAT-ih-kuh"), the
and the areas around them get stiff and may
ache. It mostly happens in the neck, shoulders, and hip.
In giant
cell arteritis (say "ar-tuh-RY-tus"), inflammation occurs in the
that carry blood up through the neck to the head. It mostly
affects the arteries that carry blood to the eyes, temple, and jaw. Giant cell arteritis is also called temporal arteritis.
Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis can occur at the same
time and affect the same groups of people. Experts believe that the two
problems are linked.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is more common, but giant cell
arteritis is more dangerous because it can cause loss of vision and may lead to
a
or mini-strokes. People who have giant cell arteritis need
treatment right away.
What causes polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis?
Experts don't fully understand the cause of these
conditions. It may be that the body's defense system ()
is attacking the body’s own tissues. Your
may play a role in this. For example, people
whose ancestors are from Scandinavia or Northern Europe are more likely to have
these problems.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica often start suddenly and get worse without
treatment. The problem can cause:
- Muscle pain and morning stiffness in the
neck, shoulders, and hip area.
- Tiredness and lack of
energy.
- A low fever.
- Weight loss.
Symptoms of giant cell arteritis
can start either suddenly or slowly. This problem needs treatment right away,
because it can cause blindness, a stroke, or mini-strokes. Symptoms include:
- Vision problems.
- A severe
headache, often near the temple or around the eye.
- Tenderness of
the temple or scalp.
- Pain or aching of the tongue or jaw.
How are polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you about
your symptoms and past health. He or she may suggest blood tests to find out if
you have the conditions. Your doctor will have to rule out
, because the symptoms are similar. To see if
you have giant cell arteritis, a surgeon may take a sample () from a blood vessel on your temple and test it
for inflammation.