Is there any reason to be worried about an eyelid tic in the absence of any other symptoms of GCA? I have had PMR for four months. My Rheumatologist said that GCA most often occurs early, not after treatment has started. I am currently on 6 mg of pred (second of four weeks at this dosage).
I'm absolutely not an expert. Just a fellow traveller navigating through the storm.
I have a tic from tired eyes. Too much working on computer. So I take a rest. Usually takes a few days to go away. Longer if I don't stop soon enough. The headache I've always had. Lack of sleep also gives me a tic.
I guess the question would be "what have you been doing that would tire your eyes?".
If the answer is nothing then a trip to the doctor.
With PMR I find it easy to see small changes being indicators of a bigger problem. Its a fine line between relaxing and rushing to the doctor. Seems easier to relax the longer I have it and the lower the pred dose.
Hi dj, if you are talking about your eye lid or a part of your eye lid all of a sudden twitching all by its own then stopping, maybe for a few seconds, then I've had that all my life. I always thought it was a nerve issue. I have never been to a Dr for it and I'm still alive and kicking at the age of 54. The trouble with PMR/GCA is that it makes us more aware of our bodies and question every little twitch, twinge,and twang. Since being diagnosed with PMR I have never been to see a Dr so many times in my entire life as I do now.
I don't think it's anything to worry about but if you are worried do tell your gp. All the best, Christina
djw, I agree with the others. Over many years, I have experienced the occasional eyelid twitching. Our grandmothers used to say it meant we were 'liverish'! It certainly was never among my GCA symptoms.
As for your rheumatologist saying "GCA most often occurs early, not after treatment has started", that is not true. It can occur either alone, at the same time as being diagnosed with PMR, OR at any time during treatment for PMR.
I'm not sure about the statement that GCA usually starts early whilst having PMR. I had PMR for 5 years before I then got GCA. Maybe I'm an exception! :-)
I don't think so Susanne! Sounds more like a confused rheumy! GCA can present as PMR symptoms - and that would make it look as if the patient had PMR that turned into GCA very quickly. Or they may have a mild-ish GCA that only presents as PMR symptoms for a long time - until it affects the wrong arteries and suddenly it is realised it isn't "just" PMR at all. No rules to either GCA or PMR!