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Polymyalgia rheumatica - Overview

Definition of Polymyalgia rheumatica:

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder involving pain and stiffness in the shoulder and usually also the hip.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disorder that almost always occurs in people over 50 years old. The cause is unknown.

PMR may occur alone, or with or before giant cell arteritis (also called temporal arteritis), which is inflammation of blood vessels (usually in the head).

  • Reviewed last on: 2/3/2011
  • Michael E. Makover, MD, professor attending in Rheumatology at the New York University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Unwin B, Williams CM, Gilliland W. Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis. Am Fam Physician; 2006; 74(9):1547-1554.
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