Polymyalgia Symptoms and Giant Cell Arteritis Related?

What Are Polymyalgia symptoms?

As mentioned earlier there is stiffness of the muscles, also there may be general unwellness, fever and fatigue.

What Are the Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis?

Early signs of giant cell arteritis my be flu like in nature such as fatigue, loss of appetite and fever. More specific symptoms may include headaches, pain over the temples, visual changes, pain with chewing or clenching of the teeth.

Researchers are still unclear of the reason why polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis commonly occur together. Giant cell arteritis may occur in conjunction with polymyalgia rheumatica or after the disease has finished.

If left untreated, giant cell arteritis can cause potentially serious problems that can include permanent vision loss or stroke. So regardless of why they may be associatd it is important to look out for any of the symptoms. Patients should look out for symptoms and report any changes to their doctor immediately.

Who Is at Risk for These Conditions?

Both polymyalgia symptoms and giant cell arteritis are most prevalent in Caucasian women over the age of 50. Women are more likely than men to suffer the conditions. Peak incidence of both disorders occur between 70 and 80 years of age.

According to statistics in the USA it is estimated 700 per 100,000 people in the general population over 50 years old have polymyalgia and the incidence of giant cell arteritis is 200 per 100,000 people over 50 years old.