Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion General Message Board for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Related Diseases Arteritis more common with AS?

Does anyone know if we are more likely to get the other autoimmune diseases like PMR and temporal arteritis if we have AS?

I am wondering because I'm a day and half into a wicked and unusual headache around my temples and in my jaw. I have headaches but this one seems different. And my temple seems sore.

I'm probably being a massive hypochondriac but I thought I'd ask.

I also have pain in my jaw, and i have Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis doesn't ONLY cause sacroilitis and spine pain, but also peripheral joints pain.

I, for example, have pain in my knees, jaw, ankles and sometimes my achilles tendon.

I'm not aware of AS increasing your risk for temporal (Giant Cell) arteritis. It does increase your risk of developing aortitis, which I have. The fact that AS doesn't increase your risk for it, of course, does not mean you don't have it. So get it checked out!

I had some crazy jaw pain a few weeks back. Ate a bag of 50 pieces of that old school bazooka joe gum back to back while working. two days later i really felt it. Even with the jaw, it seems like it needs a bit of good exercise from time to time.

I've been in a lot of pain. Your comment is really appreciated

I have heard that we are more likely to get other autoimmune disorders, but I am not sure of a direct connection to arteritis.
I have had many symptoms of arteritis, but short of doing a biopsy on my arteries they are unable to give a proper dx. I wasn't real happy about that idea. I often get swelling in my temple area in fact I am currently having an episode. It is very tender around my ear area and up into my temple. Sometimes my jaw and back tooth seem inflamed despite no obvious dental problem. The first time I had the head inflammation symptoms the entire side of my head was swollen and so tender that it was painful to brush my hair. The problem with trying to distinguish it from AS is that it responds to the typical anti inflammatory treatments(nsaids or pred). I'm not sure if they will ever figure out what the cause is, but right now I suspect it is just another inflammatory aspect of AS that they just don't understand yet. I don't think you are being a hypochondriac. There are lots of symptoms of this disease that are not classic textbook cases. I hope you feel better soon. Warm compresses and nsaids help me.

Just a follow up. I'm still having temple pain and aching jaw. No vision changes.

My blood tests are normal but the rheumatologist is concerned and wants to send me for a temporal artery biopsy. Apparently they cut a chunk out of this artery in the side of your head which I'm really not looking forward to it.

I thought that my rheumatologist was overreacting but she insists if we're wrong I could have permanent vision loss and we have to be cautious.

Anybody have one of these done before and can tell me what to expect?

The symptoms got much worse and I'm on a high dose of prednisone now and I'm waiting for the biopsy

I'm sorry to hear that things have gotten worse. Is the pred working? It was effective quite quickly with me. As I said earlier, they suspected giant cell arteritis with me. The pred worked quickly and though I have felt minor inflammation since then, I have never had the severe swelling again. I so far have been able to avoid the biopsy. I was hoping that someone might have experience and answer your post. Best wished to you. I hope you get answers and relief soon.

I did get some relief a day or two after the prednisone has started but there was still a significant headache. Which is finally pretty well gone after a week in the prednisone.

The biopsy wasn't that bad. Haven't had the results but they only took 1.5 cm and I think the rheumatologists prefer closer to 3 cams for an accurate read.