What causes polymyalgia rheumatica to flare up?
The cause of polymyalgia rheumatica is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to be responsible. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an age-related condition. Most people diagnosed with it are over 70, and it’s very rare in people younger than 50. It’s also more common in women than men.
Can a virus cause polymyalgia rheumatica?
New cases of polymyalgia rheumatica tend to come in cycles, possibly developing seasonally. This suggests that an environmental trigger, such as a virus, might play a role. But no specific virus has been shown to cause polymyalgia rheumatica.
What diseases can mimic polymyalgia rheumatica?
What diseases mimic PMR?
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- tendonitis or bursitis.
- infections.
- fibromyalgia.
- Lyme disease.
- spondyloarthropathy.
- lupus.
- vasculitis.
Can a blood test detect polymyalgia rheumatica?
Tests. There’s no specific test for polymyalgia rheumatica, but it’s likely that a series of blood tests will be done. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are blood tests that can be used to check the levels of inflammation in your body.
Is polymyalgia rheumatica an autoimmune disease?
Causes. The cause of PMR is uncertain but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissues.
Can polymyalgia cause a stroke?
Background: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common rheumatic disease, particularly in the elderly. Vasculitis is associated with PMR and theoretically makes such patients susceptible to vascular events such as stroke.
Is polymyalgia caused by stress?
Inflammatory conditions such as PMR can result or flare up from excessive stress.
Does polymyalgia affect your heart?
Patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are at 2.5 times the risk for a vascular event than matched control patients, with the greatest risk occurring in patients younger than 60 years, according to a study published online July 28 in CMAJ.