Giant cell arteritis (GCA) or temporal arteritis is an inflammatory condition that mainly affects the blood vessels in your head. This booklet explains a bit more about GCA, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and the importance of self-help measures.
Giant cell arteritis is a disorder that causes inflammation of your arteries, usually in the scalp, neck, and arms. It narrows the arteries, which keeps blood from flowing well. Giant cell arteritis often occurs with another disorder called.
Both are more common in women than in men. They almost always affect people over the age of 50.Early symptoms of giant cell arteritis resemble the flu: fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever. Other symptoms include. Headaches. Pain and tenderness over the temples. Double vision or visual loss, dizziness.
Problems with coordination and balance. Pain in your jaw and tongueYour doctor will make the diagnosis based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical exam. There is no single test to diagnose giant cell arteritis, but you may have tests that measure inflammation.Treatment is usually with. Early treatment is important; otherwise there is a risk of permanent vision loss or stroke. However, when properly treated, giant cell arteritis rarely comes back.NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.