Giant cell arteritis

Overview

It often comes with polymyalgia rheumatica (shoulder and hip stiffness).

Symptoms

Common signs:

• New headache over 50
• Scalp tenderness
• Headache at the temples
• Tender scalp
• Jaw pain, clicking, or teeth clenching

Less common

• Jaw pain with chewing
• Vision changes
• Tiredness, fever

Look up a symptom: Fatigue · Headache · Headache at the temples · Jaw pain, clicking, or teeth clenching · Tender scalp · Vision changes like zigzags or flashing lights

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune inflammation.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Over 50
• Women

Possible complications

• Polymyalgia rheumatica

Diagnosis

Tests and sometimes a biopsy.

Questions you may be asked

• Vision changes, jaw pain

The exam

Feeling the temple arteries.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• ESR and CRP:
• Artery ultrasound or biopsy:

Treatment

Start treatment quickly.

Self-care

• Take steroids exactly as prescribed
• Protect bones while on steroids

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a vascular specialist (blood vessel doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment protects vision.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Giant cell arteritis