Stabbing headache..GCA?

[Clarbeston]

I've been plateauing on 2.5mg prednisolone for the last 2 months as we've had lots of visitors and it's been difficult to keep to our normal low key routine . I've felt ok, tried not to overdo things and thought all was under control (as much as that is possible).Last night though I experienced a fleeting stabbing headache which lasted maybe 30 seconds and repeated several times. It went when I went to bed but returned this morning on getting up. Same intermittent pattern maybe 6 or 7 times over the last 5 hours. It's always in the same place - top of my skull over my left eye. No sight issues, no problems with chewing, ears feeling a bit full but that's not unusual. The headache is not like anything I've experienced before and is very painful. Paracetamol has had no effect.

Questions.. should I be worried? At what point should I seek medical advice?

Thank you for being there

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Is it IN your head or more superficial on the scalp?

I would ring the GP practice and ask for emergency advice - it is most probably nothing but you can't assume that and it is obviously bothering you or you wouldn't be asking here.

And do let us know what transpires.

[Clarbeston in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for your help.. I'll keep you updated.

[Clarbeston in reply to PMRpro]

The pain seems like a knife down in the head..no tingling on scalp.

[Rose54 in reply to Clarbeston]

Hi

I had same thing a few weeks ago l went straight to A&E

Was sent home after a examination as thay said was caused through Steroids

I did not agree but pain did go and never came back

Don’t leave it get seen

[Clarbeston in reply to Rose54]

Glad you had a good outcome. It is difficult to know how to react to new symptoms.

[piglette]

I would definitely contact a doctor, they can at least put your mind at rest.

[Clarbeston in reply to piglette]

Thank you for your reply. I'll let you know the outcome.

[SheffieldJane]

I had a similar experience when I had reached 3 mgs on a taper for PMR. My Rheumatologist, who is very thorough, arranged for me to have an ultrasound scan. Unfortunately our instincts were correct and non Cranial GCA was diagnosed. I had to immediately increase my dose to 40 mgs. Please treat this as urgent. Good luck.

[Clarbeston in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you for your thoughts. I don't have a rheumatologist but will consult my GP in the first instance. I know a negative biopsy is not a definite no for GCA, is an ultrasound conclusive one was or another?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Clarbeston]

Not entirely - it still depends on the GCA affecting the arteries they can look at but with the u/s there is a wider choice - temporal, subclavian and brachial arteries are all reachable.

[Clarbeston in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks again

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

At what point should I seek medical advice?

With any new headaches asap..

[Clarbeston in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you for your response... confirming my feelings. Having that validation is one of the most important aspects of this wonderful forum.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Clarbeston]

Please let us know outcome ..

[Clarbeston in reply to DorsetLady]

Will do

[Numptybrain]

I too have been struggling, worth getting checked out. Mine was simply due to dropping from 20 to 15 to 10 every 2 weeks, I can still feel the horrible pressure now, not nice.

Take care

Wendy xx

[pog165g]

I have the same had every test possible and seen by a neurologist diagnosed with cluster headaches. suggest you look them up and see if they relate to your symptoms, was suggested methotrexate could be the trigger.