Polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a type of vasculitis that's closely related to giant cell arteritis (see above).Itmostly occurs inadults over 50 and is more common in women than men. It can cause: pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips, which is often worse after waking up a high temperature (fever) extreme tiredness loss of appetite and weight loss depression The main treatment is steroid medication , whichis usually used in lower doses than for giant cell arteritis. It's very rare in the UK. It affects the main artery from the heart, as well asthe major arteries branching off it. It can cause: extreme tiredness a high temperature (fever) weight loss muscle and joint pain dizziness shortness of breath painful, numb or cold limbs Treatment is usually with steroid medication . The Vasculitis UK website has more information about Takayasu arteritis .