ABSTRACT
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic disorder that is associated with moderate to severe muscle pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder and hip area. Stiffness is most noticeable in the morning. This disorder may develop rapidly - in some patients overnight. People with this condition may also have influenza-like symptoms, including fever, weakness and weight loss. Early symptoms of giant-cell arteritis may also resemble those of influenza. As the condition progresses, the patient is likely to experience headaches, pain in the temples, and blurred or double vision. Pain may also affect the jaw and tongue. Untreated giant-cell arteritis can lead to serious complications, including permanent loss of vision and stroke. Patients must learn to recognise the signs of giant-cell arteritis, because they can develop them even after the symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica have disappeared. Treatment with steroids is mandatory and urgent. Remember that patients with polymyalgia rheumatica may develop giant-cell arteritis quite suddenly.
