Giant Cell Arteritis

One of the problems with this condition is that very few people are aware of it – often patients don’t realise what their symptoms mean, and even medical professionals have sometimes found it difficult to spot - Trust me, I'm a Doctor

Giant Cell Arteritis
Giant Cell Arteritis

image by: Juan Pedro Calisaya

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Getting the Right Care for Painful Autoimmune Conditions

Beth Uffner, an avid tennis player, developed an aching pain first in her legs, then in her shoulders that got progressively worse until she lacked the strength to get out of a chair unaided, let alone play tennis. Faith Sullivan, a novelist, developed a headache so devastating that she could hardly read and had to take a fistful of aspirin to get through a scheduled talk about her books.

Both women were in their mid-70s when they were seized by different but related inflammatory autoimmune conditions — polymyalgia rheumatica in Ms. Uffner, temporal arteritis in Ms. Sullivan. Both disorders can sometimes afflict the same person. And while both are life-inhibiting, giant-cell arteritis…

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Resources

 Getting the Right Care for Painful Autoimmune Conditions

A corticosteroid can quickly relieve symptoms of both polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis. But a delay could cause vision loss, a stroke or even death.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis UK

PMRGCAuk is the national charity to raise awareness, promote research, and provide support for people with polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis

Arthritis Foundation

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), or temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory disease affecting the large blood vessels of the scalp, neck and arms. Inflammation causes a narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels, which interrupts blood flow. The disease is commonly associated with polymyalgia rheumatica.

Rheumatology.org

In an older adult, a new, persisting headache - especially if together with flu-like symptoms, unexplained fatigue (tiredness) or fevers - can be due to an illness called giant cell arteritis, also known as GCA. It is a disease of the blood vessels that can occur together with a joint pain condition called polymyalgia rheumatica (also called PMR).

Vasculitis Foundation

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a form of vasculitis—a family of rare disorders characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels, which can restrict blood flow and damage vital organs and tissues. Also called temporal arteritis, GCA typically affects the arteries in the neck and scalp, especially the temples. It can also affect the aorta and its large branches to the head, arms and legs. GCA is the most common form of vasculitis in adults over the age of 50.

Vasculitis UK

Whether you are a patient, carer or medical professional you will find a wealth of accurate and up to date information here, all derived from reliable sources.

EyeWiki

References to GCA can be found dating all the way back to 10th century Baghdad. The earliest observation was recorded by an oculgiaist named Ali Ibn Isa. He had discussed a potential relationship between inflamed arteries and visual signs and symptoms.

Harvard Health

Giant cell arteritis, also called temporal arteritis, is a disease in which the medium-sized arteries that supply the eye, scalp and face become inflamed and narrowed. This disease can cause loss of vision, so it is essential that the problem be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Larger blood vessels, including the aorta and its branches, also may be involved, and can lead to the blood vessel weakening and even rupturing years later.

NORD

Visual disturbances like double vision or transient loss of vision can occur in one or both eyes that are not long lasting. However, serious complications can occur such as blindness that occurs in 15% to 30% of patients that is not reversible with steroids. Blindness in just one eye occurs as well, but if left untreated 25% to 50% of patients can experience loss of vision in the other eye.

StatPearls

While TA generally occurs in people over the age of 50, the average age of onset is 75. Women are more commonly affected, almost four times more than men.

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