National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Polymyalgia Rheumatica is the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
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National Institutes of Health
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica causes muscle pain and stiffness in your neck, shoulders and hips. It is most common in women and almost always occurs in people over 50. The main symptom of polymyalgia rheumatica is stiffness after resting. Other symptoms include fever, weakness and weight loss. In some cases, polymyalgia rheumatica develops overnight. In others, it is gradual.
Polymyalgia rheumatica sometimes occurs along with giant cell arteritis, a condition that causes swelling of the arteries in your head. Symptoms include headaches and blurred vision. Doctors often prescribe a medicine called prednisone for both conditions. Polymyalgia rheumatic usually responds to treatment. Without treatment, it usually goes away after a year or more. Untreated, giant cell arteritis carries a small risk of blindness or stroke.
NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
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Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
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Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis
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Overviews
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica(American College of Rheumatology)
- Also available in Spanish
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell (Temporal) Arteritis (Beyond the Basics)(UpToDate)
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What Are Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis?
(National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)
- Also available in Spanish
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Diagnosis/Symptoms
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Test(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
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Treatment
- Prednisone [Possible Side Effects](Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center)
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Related Issues
- Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in Spanish
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Vasculitis(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Polymyalgia Rheumatica(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Polymyalgia Rheumatica
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Polymyalgia rheumatica as presenting manifestation of vasculitis involving the lower...
- Article: The epidemiology of polymyalgia rheumatica in primary care: a research...
- Article: Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis: an in-depth look at...
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica -- see more articles
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Directories
- ACR: Geographic Membership Directory(American College of Rheumatology)
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Organizations
- American College of Rheumatology
- Arthritis Foundation
- Also available in Spanish
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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Also available in Spanish
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Patient Handouts
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Also available in Spanish
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