Diseases
giant cell arteritis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Giant cell arteritis is an inflammation of the lining of your arteries. Most often, it affects the arteries in your head, especially those in your temples. For this reason, giant cell arteritis is sometimes called temporal arteritis.
Symptoms
- fever
- persistent, severe head pain, usually in your temple area
- scalp tenderness
- jaw pain when you chew or open your mouth wide
- unintended weight loss
Causes
- what causes these arteries to become inflamed isn't known, but it's thought to involve abnormal attacks on artery walls by the immune system. certain genes and environmental factors might increase the susceptibility.
Risk factors
- giant cell arteritis affects adults only, and rarely those under 50
- sex. women are about two times more likely to develop the condition than men are
- having polymyalgia rheumatica puts you at increased risk of developing giant cel
Diagnosis
- blood tests, ie esr, or crp
- biopsy
- imaging tests ie, pet, or mra
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is giant cell arteritis?
Giant cell arteritis is an inflammation of the lining of your arteries. Most often, it affects the arteries in your head, especially those in your temples. For this reason, giant cell arteritis is sometimes called temporal arteritis.
What are the symptoms of giant cell arteritis?
fever, persistent, severe head pain, usually in your temple area, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when you chew or open your mouth wide, unintended weight loss
What causes giant cell arteritis?
what causes these arteries to become inflamed isn't known, but it's thought to involve abnormal attacks on artery walls by the immune system. certain genes and environmental factors might increase the susceptibility.
Which medicines are used for giant cell arteritis?
tocilizumab
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