Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) / Giant cell arteritis (GCA)

PMR Signs & symptoms

• Sudden onset occasional after flu symptoms
• Proximal joints effected normally bilaterally
• May feel unwell and have a fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

GCA Signs & Symptoms

• 20% of PMR patients develop GCA
• Severe headaches/ pain in muscles of head
• Temple tenderness
• Pain in jaw, tongue or side of head when chewing
• Blurred or double vision

Risk factors

• Woman> men 70-80 years of age
• Men more likely to suffer blinding eye movement

Refer for bloods urgently and consider steroids and Rheumatology referral.