Giant Cell Arteritis Summary Giant cell arteritis is a disorder that causes inflammation of your arteries, usually in the scalp, neck, and arms. It narrows the arteries, which keeps blood from flowing well. Giant cell arteritis often occurs with another disorder called polymyalgia rheumatica. Both are more common in women than in men. They almost always affect people over the age of 50. Early symptoms of giant cell arteritis resemble the flu: fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever. Other symptoms include Headaches Pain and tenderness over the temples Double vision or visual loss, dizziness Problems with coordination and balance Pain in your jaw and tongue Your doctor will make the diagnosis based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical exam. There is no single test to diagnose giant cell arteritis, but you may have tests that measure inflammation. Treatment is usually with corticosteroids. Early treatment is important; otherwise there is a risk of permanent vision loss or stroke. However, when properly treated, giant cell arteritis rarely comes back. NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Find an Expert American College of Rheumatology American College of Rheumatology Find a Rheumatologist American College of Rheumatology National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Tests C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Test American Association for Clinical Chemistry Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Giant Cell Arteritis National Institutes of Health Array ESR Temporal arteritis Start Here Giant Cell Arteritis American College of Rheumatology Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases What Are Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Statistics and Research Heart Attacks, Strokes, and Peripheral Artery Disease in Patients With Giant-Cell Arteritis American College of Physicians Journal Articles Giant cell arteritis Related Issues Vasculitis Syndromes of the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke What Is Giant Cell Arteritis? American Academy of Ophthalmology What is Vasculitis? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
