Giant Cell Arthritis

An inflammation of the artery lining, which lines the blood channels that supply oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body, is known as giant cell arteritis. It usually affects your head's arteries, particularly the ones in your temples. Because of this, giant cell arteritis is sometimes known as cranial arteritis or temporal arteritis.

Headaches, jaw pain, and double or blurry vision are common symptoms of giant cell arteritis. The most dangerous side effects of giant cell arteritis are blindness and, less frequently, stroke.

Giant cell arteritis must be treated quickly to avoid irreversible tissue damage and visual loss. Corticosteroid drugs may avoid visual loss and typically alleviate giant cell arteritis symptoms. It is likely that you will feel better a few days after commencing treatment.

Symptoms

Giant cell arteritis is most commonly characterized by intense headache pain and soreness that typically affects both temples. On the other hand, some persons only have discomfort in one temple or in the front of their head.

Giant cell arthritis symptoms and signs can differ. Some people have what seems like the flu when the condition first starts, including headaches, fever, weariness, and myalgia, or stiffness and aches in the muscles surrounding the shoulders and hips.