10 Giant Cell Arteritis Symptoms

By lio

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Giant cell arteritis: Symptoms and causes.' Mayo Clinic, 2 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giant-cell-arteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20372758
• 2. 'Giant cell arteritis.' MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000448.htm
• 3. 'Giant cell arteritis.' Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program | Providing Information About Rare or Genetic Diseases, 21 Sept. 2018, rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9615/giant-cell-arteritis
• 4. 'Large-vessel giant cell arteritis: diagnosis, monitoring and management.' OUP Academic, 23 Feb. 2018, academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/57/suppl/2/ii32/4898137

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Giant cell arteritis, also called temporal arteritis, occurs when the lining of a person's arteries become inflamed and swollen. It usually affects arteries of the scalp, neck and arms. It's not understoold why this happens, except genetics may play a role, and it tends to affect older people.

If it's not addressed, giant cell arteritis can cause serious health problems. A person may go blind, develop an aneurysm or have a stroke. If a person shows symptoms of giant cell arteritis, it's important to see a doctor. An early diagnosis may help prevent serious complications, and corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage symptoms.¹‘Giant cell arteritis: Symptoms and causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 2 Sept. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giant-cell-arteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20372758^,2‘Giant cell arteritis.’ MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000448.htm

Headache

A new, throbbing headache in the temples or back of the head is a common early symptom of giant cell arteritis. This headache may be persistent or come and go, and it may get worse over time. The scalp may also feel tender to the touch.²‘Giant cell arteritis.’ MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000448.htm

Any new, persistent headache warrants a visit to a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor may discuss other symptoms, examine the scalp for tenderness and check to see if a person has a thick, tender artery on one or both temples.²‘Giant cell arteritis.’ MedlinePlus - Health Information from the National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000448.htm