What is Giant Cell Arteritis?
Giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis, is the inflammation of your blood vessels around your scalp, head and specifically around the temples. This condition is most commonly seen in women over 50 but can be found in any adult.
What Causes Giant Cell Arteritis?
The root cause of the enflamed head and temporal arteries is still unknown. Researchers have found that the susceptibility of your immune system may have an influence on GCA.
Giant Cell Arteritis Symptoms
Due to the typical location of giant cell arteritis, a common symptom is headaches. Other symptoms that may be present include:
- Jaw pain from chewing
- Flu-like symptoms
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Blurred vision
- Stroke
- Throat or tongue pain
If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s important to be proactive with treatment to help prevent further complications such as vision loss.
Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis
The diagnosis process that your Rheumatologist uses for you will be based on your health history and the symptoms you’re experiencing. They will likely perform a full physical exam with a heavier focus on your head if that’s where you’re experiencing symptoms.
In order to rule out any other conditions, you may be asked to complete a blood test, biopsy of the artery or imaging tests such as an ultrasound.
Giant Cell Arteritis Treatment Options
As previously mentioned, it’s important to start treating GCA right away to help prevent further complications. Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a high-dose of a corticosteroid. You will stay on a high dose for a few months and then over the span of the next one to two years, you will slowly ween off to a lower dose. Overall this corticosteroid will help with inflammation.
Side effects such as weak muscles, high blood pressure and osteoporosis are possible with the corticosteroids. If you start to experience any of these symptoms, or symptoms that may be not listed or discussed with you, be sure to contact your provider.
To schedule an appointment with the Iowa Clinic Rheumatologist, please call 515.875.9790.