Headache on one side of head could it mean i have GCA?

Posted , 8 users are following.

20 months into PMR woke with severe headache last night  increased Pred from 5.5  to 10 mg. This decreased the pain but myhead stll hurts. Could it be GCA if that is the only symptom?...or is it just another PMR symptom????

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    It is possible and really is something to report to your doctor. Severe headache is not a typical symptom of PMR - unless the PMR is being a symptom of GCA, which it can be. If you have any other symptoms don't hesitate to speak to a doctor asap - emergency services if necessary.

  • Posted

    Misha, contact your doctor ASP, it may be nothing but why take chances.

    Good luck. 🙂

  • Posted

    If you didn't already have the PMR diagnosis it would be tempting to dismiss it as something else.  New onset of migraines, if you haven't previously had them, dehydration, sinus, tension (sleeping in an awkward position can stress the neck and cause headache and yyou might never know).  But given your current diagnosis, definitely worth mentioning to the doctor, and as Eileen says going to emergency if your symptoms worsen or change, especially if your vision is involved.  It's also interesting that the pred appeared to help the pain, but it's also possible it eased anyway when you got up and drank some fluids.  

    • Posted

      Talk to your doctor right away.  A severe headache on one side was definitely my major symptom of GCA along with eye pain. 
    • Posted

      You meant this reply for MIsha.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.