- Polymyalgia Rheumatica was not even "on the books" as a recognized serious problem until 1957. It is very difficult to diagnose - symptoms are easily mistaken for arthritis.
- About 1 in 143 people over 50 years old will develop Polymyalgia
Rheumatica and/or Giant Cell Arteritis -
The Baby Boomer Generation is 76 million strong!
- Early diagnoses by a physician is imperative. Twice as many women as men will develop the disease. White women over 50 are most likely to develop PMR and GCA.
- Early symptoms of PMR are similar to those of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Symptoms of PMR include persistent stiffness and deep pain in the neck, shoulders, hips, hands and pelvis. Symptoms differ, the disease often strikes suddenly, overnight in some cases. At other times patients have noticed a gradual "unwell, flu-like" illness overtaking them, including fever, weakness and weight loss, that can appear a week or two just before the onslaught. Very little is known about PMR
- Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis include severe headaches, cranium artery swelling, jaw pain, and vision abnormalities. Physical examination may reveal an abnormal temporal artery inflamed and tender to the touch, along with reduced pulse rate. Because of the risk of irreversible blindness, a physician should be consulted immediately upon experiencing any of these symptoms. Very little is known about GCA.
- Some physicians believe that PMR and GCA are catastrophic conditions. They can remove one from the work force for weeks, months, years, or permanently!
- If PMR is suspect a "Sed" test (erythrocyte sedimentation) should be administered. The Sed test has to do with the rate of sedimentation of red blood cells.
- Carticosteroids, including Prednisone, do not cure PMR or GCA - they simply suppress the symptoms and relieve the pain.
- Symtoms are usually treated with prednisone in doses of 2 to 50 mg per day. Click here for more information on the use of Prednisone
- When diagnosed with PMR the physician should always look for symptoms of GCA. Left untreated, GCA can lead to irreversible blindness and stroke
- Learn how to recognize physical changes - watch for symptoms. Even after recovering from PMR or GCA, these conditions can return. Work with your physician and have periodic physical examinations.
- The medical profession has no cure for PMR or GCA, nor do they know what causes the diseases.
- What is being done about the disease? NMRFoundation has found that very little research is being done.
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