Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Continuous Headache When Suffering From Fibromyalgia And Sjogren's Syndrome?
Question: I am a 58 year old female with medical history: PTSD, Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Sjogren's Syndrome. I have been having a continuous headache for 11 days. At times it will subside somewhat but never completely go away. Other times it is so strong, I'm unable to think clearly. It stays at base of head nearly from ear to ear. On occassion it seems to radiate and I feel my heart beat even into my ears. I also experience chest pain on and off. Saw my MD yesterday and was told I have swollen lymph nodes at hair line. I told him of pain on occassion of right side which has occured intermitten since beginning of headaches and he told me I have inflamation next to and over ribs. All of these symptoms began after having a mild case of flu (I had flu shot in September). My house of five had various degrees of it with oldest granddaughter of 4 and youngest grandson of 1 having experienced it more severe. My doctor believes what I'm experiencing now is a residual effect from bout of flu and prescribed (six day 21 tablet) Prednisone. Thank you in advance for your help and review.
Brief Answer:
Probable Temporal Arteritis?needs confirmation
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
I understand your query and concern.
The headache and the associated features in your case are probably suggestive of temporal arteritis which is a form of vasculitis in the females above 40 years of age.
Influenza may be a trigger factor associated with Temporal arteritis ,but a not a residue of sequel to it in my opinion.
This form of arteries responds dramatically to Prednisolone.
Swollen lymph nodes are reactive as a part of the disease process.
In case of any doubts i advice you to have ESR testing along with temporal artery biopsy.
This form vasculitis and well as the symptoms of headache both respond to 21 day course of steroids.
Post your further queries,if any.
Thank you.
Probable Temporal Arteritis?needs confirmation
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,
I understand your query and concern.
The headache and the associated features in your case are probably suggestive of temporal arteritis which is a form of vasculitis in the females above 40 years of age.
Influenza may be a trigger factor associated with Temporal arteritis ,but a not a residue of sequel to it in my opinion.
This form of arteries responds dramatically to Prednisolone.
Swollen lymph nodes are reactive as a part of the disease process.
In case of any doubts i advice you to have ESR testing along with temporal artery biopsy.
This form vasculitis and well as the symptoms of headache both respond to 21 day course of steroids.
Post your further queries,if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
