Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
What is Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)?
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), which is commonly known as Temporal Arteritis, is a serious inflammatory condition of blood vessels that affects the large and medium-sized arteries, especially in the sides of head near the temples (temporal arteries) and neck. The artery walls become inflamed, thickened, narrowed, which reduces or strains blood flow, especially to the eyes and brain. If left untreated, serious complications may occur including but not limited to temporary or permanent vision loss and could lead to a stroke. GCA more commonly occurs with adults over age 50, more frequently in women than men.
What are the Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)?
Temporal arteritis is frequently misdiagnosed as migraines, tension headaches, or polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) due to overlapping symptoms. Atypical presentations can further complicate diagnosis, making it crucial for doctors to consider GCA / temporal arteritis in patients with unexplained headaches, especially those over 50.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe Headache - commonly beginning around the temples and continuing throughout the head.
- Scalp Tenderness - a condition where the scalp is painful to the touch (for example combing hair may hurt) and may be accompanied by itching, redness, or swelling.
- Jaw Claudication - pain or fatigue in the jaw muscles that occurs during chewing and subsides with rest.
- Vision Problems - blurred vision, double vision, or sudden vision loss.
- Fatigue - a state of extreme tiredness, lack of energy, and difficulty performing daily tasks.
- Fever
- Weight Loss
- Commonly occurs alongside polymyalgia rheumatica - a condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness in the shoulders and hips.
What are the Treatment Options for Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)?
Currently, there is not a known cure for GCA. Doctors typically focus on symptoms management and improving quality of life with prompt and ongoing treatment. Treatment options for Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis) may include:
- Corticosteroids injections – administered immediately to reduce the risk of vision loss and to assist in managing and reducing inflammation.
- Steroid-sparing medications - use for long term management to reduce ongoing steroid use and its side effects.
- Aspirin - low dose may be part of the treatment plan to reduce vascular complications.
- Calcium and vitamin D - to protect the bones based upon the longer term steroid usage.
- Actemra (tocilluzimab) - a medicine that blocks interleukin-6 helps treat the symptoms of GCA and facilitates the weaning and f steroids.
Living with a Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)
Treatments and disease management vary from patient-to-patient, but typically most patients require 1 - 2+ years. Some side effects of treatment (especially from long term steroid use) may include weight gain, diabetes, or osteoporosis. Lifestyle adjustments include maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, taking medications as prescribed, and protecting vision. Experience dictates that treating this disease may improve quality of life.
Patient Care is our Priority
There is no known cure for Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis), but it is very treatable. GCA can often be managed with treatments to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and improve overall function. Ongoing monitoring with your rheumatologist and adherence to your treatment plan may be crucial for achieving the best possible outcomes and for improving your quality of life. Dr. Carter and staff can help determine the right plan for you. We understand that living with this disease is not easy. Dr. Carter, along with the staff at Recovery Rheum, are here to help you every step of the way.
