Giant Cell Arteritis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Giant cell arteritis causes inflammation in the lining of arteries. It most commonly affects those in the head, particularly in the temples. This condition is sometimes known as temporal arteritis.
Common symptoms include headaches, tender scalp, jaw pain, and vision issues. Without treatment, patients risk permanent blindness.
Doctors typically prescribe corticosteroid medications. These usually bring relief within days and help prevent vision loss when started promptly. However, symptoms may return even with proper treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
Giant cell arteritis often causes severe head pain and tenderness that affects both sides of the head. This pain may get worse over time, come and go, or stop for a while before returning.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe head pain in the temple area that doesn’t go away
- Tender scalp that hurts when touched
- Jaw discomfort when eating or opening the mouth wide
- Fever
- Feeling tired all the time
- Weight loss without trying
- Vision problems like double vision or loss of sight, especially with jaw pain
- Sudden blindness in one eye
About half of people with giant cell arteritis also have a related condition called polymyalgia rheumatica, which causes pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and hips.
When to Get Medical Help
See a doctor right away if you develop a new headache that won’t go away or any of the symptoms listed above. Early treatment for giant cell arteritis is important and can help prevent vision loss.
Causes
The exact cause of giant cell arteritis remains unknown. However, scientists believe that the condition involves the immune system attacking the walls of arteries, causing inflammation and swelling.
This inflammation narrows blood vessels, reducing blood flow and limiting oxygen and nutrients to tissues.
The arteries in the temples are most commonly affected. These blood vessels run along the sides of the head, just in front of the ears and up into the scalp.
Certain factors may increase a person’s risk of developing this condition:
- Genetic Factors: Some people may have genes that make them more susceptible.
- Environmental Triggers: External factors might play a role in activating the inflammatory response.
- Immune System Irregularities: Abnormal immune responses that target healthy artery tissue.
The narrowing of blood vessels can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your risk for giant cell arteritis:
Age: This condition rarely affects people under 50, with most cases appearing between ages 70 and 80.
Gender: Women face about twice the risk compared to men.
Race and Location: White people of Northern European or Scandinavian descent have higher rates
- Health History: Having polymyalgia rheumatica increases your risk.
Family Connection: The condition sometimes runs in families.
Complications
Giant cell arteritis can lead to several serious health problems if not treated properly:
Vision Loss
- Sudden, painless blindness in one eye (rarely both)
- Usually permanent due to reduced blood flow to the eyes
- Often occurs without warning
Aortic Weakening
Blood vessel walls can weaken in the large artery running through the chest and abdomen, creating a dangerous bulge (aneurysm). This can happen years after diagnosis. That’s why doctors often recommend yearly imaging tests like:
- Chest X-rays
- Ultrasound scans
- CT scans
Stroke Risk
Though less common than other complications, giant cell arteritis can increase the risk of stroke due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
Regular checkups and proper treatment are essential for managing these risks and preventing life-threatening outcomes.
