Giant Cell Arteritis: Basic Disease Information - iMedix

Giant Cell Arteritis is a disease that causes swelling in certain blood vessels, especially around the temples, leading to headaches and potential vision issues.

• Aging: The risk increases as people age, particularly over the age of 50.
• Immune System Dysfunction: GCA may occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own blood vessels.
• Genetic Factors: Some people may have a genetic predisposition, meaning it can run in families.
• Infections: Certain infections may trigger or worsen the condition, though the exact relationship isn’t clear.

• Age: It usually affects people over the age of 50, with the highest risk for those over 70.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop GCA than men.
• Ethnicity: People of Northern European descent are more prone to this condition.
• Other Conditions: Those with a history of polymyalgia rheumatica, a related inflammatory condition, have a higher risk of developing GCA.

• Severe headaches: Often concentrated around the temples or the sides of the head.
• Tenderness of the scalp: The scalp may feel sore or tender, especially when combing hair.
• Jaw pain: Pain or discomfort while chewing or talking can occur due to decreased blood flow to the jaw muscles.
• Vision problems: Blurry vision, double vision, or sudden vision loss in one eye.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, weak, or run down.
• Fever: A low-grade fever might accompany other symptoms.

• Sudden vision loss: If you experience sudden blindness or severe vision issues, it’s crucial to seek medical help right away, as untreated GCA can cause permanent blindness.
• Stroke-like symptoms: If you feel weakness or numbness on one side of the body or have difficulty speaking, this could indicate that the arteries in your brain are affected, requiring urgent medical intervention.

• Blood tests: Doctors often start with a blood test to check for inflammation. An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) can indicate inflammation in the body.
• Temporal artery biopsy: This is the gold standard for diagnosing GCA. A small piece of the artery from the temple is removed and examined under a microscope to check for inflammation.
• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, MRI, or PET scans may be used to look at the condition of blood vessels and detect inflammation or narrowing of arteries.

• Corticosteroids (steroids): The first-line treatment is typically high doses of corticosteroids like prednisone. This medication quickly reduces inflammation. Once symptoms are under control, the dose is gradually lowered over time.
• Immunosuppressants: If corticosteroids alone are not effective or cause significant side effects, other medications that suppress the immune system, such as methotrexate, may be prescribed.
• Aspirin: Low-dose aspirin may be recommended to reduce the risk of blood clots or stroke.

• Sudden vision changes or loss: Any sudden difficulty seeing, blurred vision, or loss of vision in one eye needs urgent care, as untreated GCA can lead to permanent blindness.
• Persistent and severe headaches: If you experience intense, ongoing headaches, especially around your temples or the sides of your head, contact a healthcare provider.
• Jaw pain when chewing or speaking: Pain or discomfort in your jaw, especially when moving it, is a common warning sign. Don't delay in seeking help if this occurs.

• Early detection: Be aware of the symptoms, especially if you’re over 50. Reporting headaches, jaw pain, or vision changes early on can help in starting treatment before severe complications, like vision loss, occur.
• Regular medical checkups: For people with a history of inflammatory conditions, such as polymyalgia rheumatica, regular checkups with a healthcare provider can help monitor any signs of Giant Cell Arteritis.
• Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can help reduce overall inflammation in the body, which may lower the risk of vascular issues, including GCA.

• Follow prescribed treatments: If you’ve been diagnosed with Giant Cell Arteritis, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. This often involves long-term medication like corticosteroids to manage inflammation.
• Manage steroid side effects: Prolonged steroid use can lead to side effects such as bone thinning (osteoporosis). You can reduce these risks by taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, along with engaging in weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones.
• Routine vision checks: Regular eye exams are important for anyone at risk of GCA to catch vision problems early.