What is it?
Giant cell arteritis results in inflammation in the lining of the arteries, most often the arteries in the temples.
Diagnosis Tests
- Please follow the following link to help to diagnose this condition 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria.
- Blood tests:
- Complete blood cell count and an inflammatory marker of your choice (C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
- Any visual disturbance, scalp tenderness when brushing hair, pain in the jaw or tongue a few minutes after eating, new or recent limb claudication (aching, cramping, numbness, and tired feelings in the muscles that are triggered by physical activity like walking and relieved by rest, and any systemic symptoms, including fever, weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats.
- Checking blood pressure in both arms.
- If there’s significant large-vessel involvement, there’s often a blood pressure differential between arms of around 15-20 mm Hg.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica tests
Causes
- Unknown maybe:
- Two factors appear to be involved in the development of this condition:
- Genetics:
- Certain genes and gene variations might increase your susceptibility.
- An environmental exposure:
- New cases of polymyalgia rheumatica tend to come in cycles, possibly developing seasonally.
- This suggests that an environmental trigger, such as a virus, might play a role.
- But no specific virus has been shown to cause polymyalgia rheumatica.
Symptoms
- Throbbing headache that’s usually in the temples?
- Tenderness in the scalp and temple area?
- Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
- General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
- Jaw pain and/or difficulty chewing, swallowing talking and/or slurred speech and/or difficulty in opening the mouth and /or difficult to eat?
- High temperature greater than 38°C, 100°F or over greater than 72 hours, chills and sweats?
- Unintentional weight loss?
- Shoulder and/or hip pain and stiffness?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Medical Emergency Condition
And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:
This condition may show similar symptoms to:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist/Dentist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Giant cell arteritis/temporal arteritis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
- Medical News Today
Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.
- Medscape (Professional level)
Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.
- Healthline
Medical Information and health advice you can trust
- EveryDay Health
Wellness inspired. Wellness enabled.
- Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
- NHS
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).
- WebMD
Better Information. Better Health.
- Cleveland Clinic
Pushing the Standards of care.
- Mayo Clinic
No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)
- Drugs.com
Know more. Be sure.
- National Organisation of Rare Diseases
NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.
- Verywell Health
Know more. Fell better.
- Nathnac
Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.
- DR Axe
Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies
- Better health - NHS
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