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Headaches while tapering

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) | Last Active: Jan 22, 2023 | Replies (8)

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@johnbishop

Hello @lynd, Welcome to Connect. Headaches can be a symptom of prednisone withdrawal but I'm not sure of sensitive scalp. My doctor was always asking me if I had any tenderness in the scalp or temple areas due to the concern of GCA. I don't think blood tests alone can diagnose GCA. Here's more information on the topic:

"How is GCA diagnosed?
The best way to confirm a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis is by taking a small sample (biopsy) of the temporal artery. This artery is situated close to the skin just in front of your ears and continues up to your scalp."
-- Giant cell arteritis - Diagnosis and treatment:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giant-cell-arteritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372764.
@tsc and @zaa may also have some thoughts on headaches and sensitive scalp while tapering to a lower dose of prednisone. Have you tried bumping the dose back to 6 or splitting a 1 mg tablet and going up to 5.5 to see if the symptoms go away?

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Replies to "Hello @lynd, Welcome to Connect. Headaches can be a symptom of prednisone withdrawal but I'm not..."

Hi thank you for your message. I will try the 1/2 dose as suggested as dropping from 6 to 5 is more than the 10% recommended. If no improvement I will see my Rheumtalogist. What is the best medication to take for the headache?