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Polymyalgia Rheumatica

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Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common cause of widespread aching and stiffness in older adults. PMR can overlap with another rheumatic disease called giant cell arteritis, and symptoms of the two conditions can occur at the same time or separately. (See p. 12 of the March 2008 issue for more on giant cell arteritis.) The typical symptoms of PMR include aching and stiffness around the upper arms, neck, lower back, buttocks, and thighs. Symptoms tend to develop quickly over a period of several days or weeks, and occasionally even overnight.

Giant Cell Arteritis

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Giant cell arteritis (GCA)—a type of vasculitis—is a group of diseases whose typical feature is inflammation of blood vessels. The blood vessels most commonly involved are the arteries of the scalp and head (especially the arteries over the temples), which is why another term for GCA is “temporal arteritis.” GCA can overlap with another rheumatic disease called polymyalgia rheumatica, and symptoms of the two conditions can occur at the same time or separately. The causes of GCA and polymyalgia rheumatica are unknown.