PMR and GCA occur twice as often in women as in men. Other conditions that cause symptoms similar to PMR need to be excluded before the diagnosis of PMR can be confidently made. The diagnosis of PMR is made based on the history and physical examination along with blood tests. The goal in treating PMR and GCA is to relieve the symptoms and, in the case of GCA, to prevent damage to the tissues. The most commonly used medication is prednisone.
Treatment often extends for two years or longer.
In mild cases of PMR, it may be possible to treat the symptoms with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can have side effects which may be particularly severe in the elderly. Methotrexate may be used as an alternative to steroids. The management of the medications required to control these diseases is not always straightforward.