What triggers polymyalgia rheumatica?
What triggers polymyalgia rheumatica?
The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is unknown. It is possible that the way the immune system responds to certain viruses may trigger the disease. It is most probable that its development is triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What is the prognosis for polymyalgia rheumatica?
With early diagnosis and correct therapy, patients have an excellent prognosis. The average length of disease is 3 years. However, exacerbations may occur if steroids are tapered too rapidly, and relapse is common, affecting up to 25% of all treated patients.
Does polymyalgia rheumatica go away?
Polymyalgia rheumatica often improves on its own after this time. However, there’s a chance it will return after treatment stops. This is known as a relapse. Do not suddenly stop taking steroid medicine unless your doctor tells you it’s safe to stop.
Is polymyalgia caused by stress?
Inflammatory conditions such as PMR can result or flare up from excessive stress.
How painful is polymyalgia rheumatica?
Polymyalgia rheumatica can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, hips and thighs. Polymyalgia rheumatica often comes on quickly, perhaps over a week or two.
Without treatment, polymyalgia rheumatica sometimes goes away on its own over several years. With treatment, symptoms lessen or go away within days. Treatment is generally necessary for at least six months. And it often continues for one to two years or even longer.
How common is polymyalgia rheumatic?
Polymyalgia rheumatica, joint disease that is fairly common in people over the age of 50, with an average age of onset of about 70. Out of 100,000 people over the age of 50, approximately 700 will exhibit signs of polymyalgia rheumatica. It tends to affect women twice as often as men.
Can other illnesses mimic polymyalgia rheumatica?
ANSWER. Yes. Some other illnesses that may be confused with polymyalgia rheumatica include: Rheumatoid arthritis. Infections. Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) Chemical and hormonal abnormalities.