Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Question 1

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Answer 1

pain in the muscles, diffuse pain and stiffness with shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles most affected

Question 2

Giant Cell Arteritis

Answer 2

15-20% will develop PMR, 50% - GCA, inflammation of the arteries in head & neck, can obstruct temporal and ophthalmic arteries causing blindness, increased risk for CVA

Question 3

Polymyalgia Rheumatica etiology and risk factors

Answer 3

Females 2x more likely than males, rare before age 50, most common after 70, affects more caucasian. Factors are genetics, infection, autoimmune dysfunction.

Question 4

Pathogenesis of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Answer 4

Joint inflammation, bursitis, hip synovitis

Question 5

Clinical manifestations of Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Answer 5

insidious vs abrupt, may be bilateral or unilateral. Pain, stiffness, not weak muscles, lasts 1 hour in the A.M., flu like symptoms and depression are common

Question 6

Treatment and Prognosis for Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Answer 6

treatment is needed early to prevent disability, corticosteroids (improvement in 1 week), may require maintenance therapy up to 5 years, 30% reoccurrence, important to screen for Giant Cell Arteritis

Question 7

Rehab management for Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Answer 7

pain control, ROM, management of bursitis/tendinitis, correction of muscle imbalances, patient education