I have recently been approached by a lovely client about Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), otherwise known as temporal arteritis.
Giant Cell Arteritis is a medical condition, causing pain and swelling in the blood vessels, most commonly around the head and neck. The condition can cause pain and tenderness in the temples.
If Giant Cell Arteritis is left untreated, it can become very serious, potentially causing strokes or blindness. Increasing public awareness about Giant Cell Arteritis is essential to prevent people from suffering from the life-long disabilities it can cause.
What are the symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis?
Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis include frequent, very bad headaches, tenderness over the temples, jaw pain and problems with sight.
It’s really important that anyone with these symptoms seeks medical help straight away and it should be treated as a medical emergency. An urgent referral to a specialist rheumatologist might be made. According to the NHS website, if you have problems with your vision, you should have a same day appointment with a hospital eye specialist (an ophthalmologist).
What are the tests and treatment?
After being examined by your doctor you may be referred for tests which may include a blood test, an ultrasound scan of the temples and/or a biopsy.
Steroids should be prescribed to avoid permanent sight loss. They will slow down the activity of the immune system and reduce inflammation in the blood vessels. Because there’s a risk of sight loss or a stroke if Giant Cell Arteritis isn’t treated, it’s important to start steroid treatment straight away.
If you would like to discuss any of these issues with us, please get in touch and we would be happy to help you. Call 0114 218 4000 or email info@tayloremmet.co.uk
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