Giant Cell / Temporal Arteritis - Information - Symptoms - Treatment
Information on the symptoms and treatment of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). GCA is also known as Temporal Arteritis or Cranial Arteritis. GCA is a type of vasculitis involving inflammation and damage to the blood vessels, particularly those that branch from the neck. GCA can exist independently, coexist with, or follow Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR).
Guide to Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic disorder that is associated with moderate to severe muscle pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and hip area. Giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis and cranial arteritis, is a disorder that results in swelling of arteries in the head, neck, and arms.
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a rheumatic disorder that is associated with moderate to severe muscle pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulder, and hip area. Giant cell arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis and cranial arteritis, is a disorder that results in swelling of arteries in the head, neck, and arms.
What is Giant Cell, Cranial, or Temporal Arteritis?
Giant cell, cranial, or temporal arteritis occurs when there is inflammation and necrosis (death of the tissues) of one or more arteries. It most commonly occurs in the head, especially in the temporal arteries that branch from the carotid artery of the neck. However, it can be systemic, affecting multiple medium-to-large sized arteries anywhere in the body.
Giant cell, cranial, or temporal arteritis occurs when there is inflammation and necrosis (death of the tissues) of one or more arteries. It most commonly occurs in the head, especially in the temporal arteries that branch from the carotid artery of the neck. However, it can be systemic, affecting multiple medium-to-large sized arteries anywhere in the body.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of GCA, Cranial or Temporal Arteritis
An overview of the symptoms and diagnosis of Giant Cell, Cranial or Temporal Arteritis.
An overview of the symptoms and diagnosis of Giant Cell, Cranial or Temporal Arteritis.
Treatment of Giant Cell, Cranial or Temporal Arteritis
The goal of treatment is to minimize irreversible tissue damage that may occur because of lack of blood flow (ischemia). Corticosteroids such as Prednisone are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation.
The goal of treatment is to minimize irreversible tissue damage that may occur because of lack of blood flow (ischemia). Corticosteroids such as Prednisone are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Carotid Artery Anatomy - ( Photo-Picture)
There are four carotid arteries, two on each side of the neck: right and left internal carotid arteries, and right and left external carotid arteries. The carotid arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the head and brain.
There are four carotid arteries, two on each side of the neck: right and left internal carotid arteries, and right and left external carotid arteries. The carotid arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the head and brain.
Fact Sheet - Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
Fact sheet about GCA, When an older person complains of a new, persisting headache, especially if accompanied by flu-like symptoms or weight loss, it may due to a condition called giant cell arteritis, a disease of blood vessels that may occur together with polymyalgia rheumatica, from ACR.
Fact sheet about GCA, When an older person complains of a new, persisting headache, especially if accompanied by flu-like symptoms or weight loss, it may due to a condition called giant cell arteritis, a disease of blood vessels that may occur together with polymyalgia rheumatica, from ACR.
What You Need to Know About PMR and GCA
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) frequently affect the same types of people. The diseases may occur independently or in the same patient, from Cleveland Clinic.
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) frequently affect the same types of people. The diseases may occur independently or in the same patient, from Cleveland Clinic.