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GCA with or without symptoms?
Hello, I was diagnosed with PMR in July 2025. I started at 20 mg Prednisone and have made it down to 5mg, with one relapse between 4-3 mg. I have not taken any other medication for PMR. Like everyone, I worry about getting GCA. My Doctor regularly asks me to watch out for GCA symptoms (face pain, headache, blurred vision etc.). I have a friend who has had PMR for 10 years, who was diagnosed with GCA, but she had NO symptoms. I’ve also read about other similar cases, i.e. GCA without symptoms . My question is, if you have no symptoms, how is it caught and diagnosed in time to prevent serious eye damage?
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Check ups at regular intervals with your ophthalmologist.
Lab testing for CRP and sed rate.
A baseline ultrasound is a good screening test. It is not as sensitive once you are on steroids. Awareness of the symptoms is the best indicator.
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4 ReactionsIn keeping with my other comments, there is no one way to do anything with respect to PMR/GCA. My journey is very different to get to the GCA Dx.
Inflammation high 130's in 2019, Dx with PMR one year later.
Was able to taper to zero, no problems. Within 30-60 days inflammation back. Several cycles of this. Local doctor in teaching hospital was stuck on PMR since I had no cranial, eye, temple, face symptoms. Finally went out of state to possibly the leading teaching hospital on GCA vasculitis. They Dx asymptomatic GCA 5+ years after initial PMR symptoms.
It has done aorta damage and caused a dissection in my neck. I have a new aorta specialist as well as two new neck doctors.
Watching for classic GCA symptoms needs to be tempered with common sense also that something just isn't right. Not fear but tell tale signs.
I keep a running list of symptoms and progress. It's exhausting sometimes. The majority of my doctors appreciate my efforts and have used them along with their testing to help guide my treatments.
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2 Reactions@jabrown0407
I'm sorry to hear about the GCA and the damage caused by it being undiagnosed for so long. I pray you'll be ok and get all the help you need. Just diagnosed with PMR 7/31.
It is so true that we need to research our own symptoms and let our Dr's know what we're experiencing, and what we'd like them to check into. It's how I found PMR. Searched my symptoms with all my blood test results.
If I hadn't asked to see a Rheumatologist I have no idea how many more months I would have been suffering such brutal pain and disability.
Your common sense can often guide us best and asking the Dr's regarding what we're feeling. We know our bodies better. Blessings.