Polymyalgia Rheumatica | Signs & Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

The video provides an overview of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), highlighting its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. PMR is characterized by pain and stiffness in proximal extremities without muscle weakness and responds to low-dose corticosteroids. It is related to giant cell arteritis, which can cause blindness. The video discusses the epidemiology, signs, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria of PMR, emphasizing the importance of corticosteroid response. Treatment involves Prednisone, with a gradual tapering over a year, and monitoring for temporal arteritis.

What is a key characteristic of polymyalgia rheumatica?

• Muscle weakness

• No response to corticosteroids

• Pain and stiffness in distal extremities

• Pain and stiffness in proximal extremities

Which demographic is most commonly affected by PMR?

• Young adults

• Teenagers

• Adults over 50

• Children under 10

What is a common symptom of PMR?

• Muscle atrophy

• Symmetrical pain in the neck, shoulders, and hips

• Weight gain

• High-grade fever

Which blood test result is associated with PMR?

• Elevated ESR

• Low ESR

• Low CRP

• Normal platelet count

What is a crucial factor in diagnosing PMR?

• Response to low-dose corticosteroids

• Presence of muscle weakness

• Age under 30

• Unilateral pain

What is the primary treatment for PMR?

• Surgery

• Antibiotics

• High-dose corticosteroids

• Low-dose corticosteroids

Why is it important to monitor PMR patients for temporal arteritis?

• It can lead to muscle weakness

• It can cause sudden vision loss

• It resolves without treatment

• It is treated with antibiotics