Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis)

Temporal arteritis/Giant cell arteritis is inflammation and damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the head. If the inflammation affects the arteries in your neck, upper body and arms, it is called giant cell arteritis. Temporal, giant cell, and cranial arteritis occur when one or more arteries become inflamed, swollen, and tender. Temporal arteritis commonly occurs in the arteries around the temples (temporal arteries). These vessels branch off from the carotid artery in the neck. However, the condition can occur in medium-to-large arteries in other places in the body. The cause of the condition is unknown. It is believed to be due in part to a faulty immune response. The disorder has been linked to severe infections and the use of high doses of antibiotics. The problem may develop with or following another inflammatory disorder known as polymyalgia rheumatica. Giant cell arteritis almost always occurs in people over age 50. It is rare in people of African descent. The condition may run in families. Some common symptoms of this problem are throbbing headache on one side of the head or the back of the head and tenderness when touching the scalp. Most people make a full recovery, but treatment may be needed for 1 to 2 years or longer. The condition may return at a later date. Damage to other blood vessels in the body such as aneurysms (ballooning of the blood vessels) may occur. This damage can lead to a stroke in the future.

Temporal arteritis, also called giant cell arteritis (GCA), is an inflammation of the large blood vessels (arteries) in your head, mainly around your temples. It can be a serious condition that needs medical attention.

Types of Temporal Arteritis:

There is only one type of temporal arteritis, which is the classic or typical form.

Common Causes of Temporal Arteritis:

1. Age: It mainly affects people over the age of 50.
2. Genetic factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition.
3. Immune system dysfunction: An abnormal immune response may trigger the inflammation.
4. Infections: Certain infections might be linked to temporal arteritis.
5. Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors could play a role.
6. Gender: It is more common in women than in men.
7. Ethnicity: It is more prevalent in people of Northern European descent.
8. Unknown causes: In some cases, the cause remains unclear.

Symptoms of Temporal Arteritis:

1. Severe headache around the temples.
2. Scalp tenderness.
3. Jaw pain while chewing.
4. Vision problems, such as double vision or sudden vision loss.
5. Fatigue.
6. Fever.
7. Unintentional weight loss.
8. Muscle aches and pain.
9. Stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
10. Pain in the arms and hips.
11. Flu-like symptoms.
12. Pain in the tongue or throat when swallowing.
13. Sore scalp.
14. Tenderness in the temples.
15. Nausea and vomiting.
16. Dizziness.
17. Difficulty sleeping.
18. Depression.
19. Persistent cough.
20. General malaise.

Diagnostic Tests for Temporal Arteritis:

1. Physical examination: A doctor will check for signs like tender arteries and swollen temporal arteries.
2. Blood tests: To measure levels of inflammation markers like ESR and CRP.
3. Temporal artery biopsy: A small piece of the artery is examined for inflammation.
4. Imaging tests: Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans to visualize the affected arteries.
5. Ophthalmic evaluation: To assess eye problems caused by GCA.
6. Doppler ultrasound: To measure blood flow in the arteries.
7. Color duplex ultrasonography: To detect inflammation in the arteries.
8. Angiography: To visualize blood flow through the arteries.
9. PET scan: To identify areas of inflammation.
10. Complete blood count (CBC): To check for anemia.
11. Electrolyte levels: To monitor electrolyte imbalances.
12. Liver function tests: To assess liver health.
13. Kidney function tests: To evaluate kidney function.
14. Thyroid function tests: To rule out thyroid disorders.
15. Chest X-ray: To check for lung involvement.
16. Echocardiogram: To assess heart function.
17. Bone density scan: To check for osteoporosis.
18. Arterial blood gas test: To measure oxygen levels in the blood.
19. Urinalysis: To screen for kidney problems.
20. Rheumatoid factor test: To rule out other autoimmune conditions.

 Treatments for Temporal Arteritis:

1. Corticosteroids (Prednisone): These are the primary medications to reduce inflammation.
2. Pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen): To manage pain.
3. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements: To prevent bone loss due to long-term steroid use.
4. Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): For pain and inflammation control.
5. Immunosuppressants (Methotrexate, Azathioprine): To reduce the need for high doses of steroids.
6. Biological therapies (Tocilizumab): For refractory cases.
7. Blood thinners (Aspirin): To reduce the risk of blood clots.
8. Medications to protect the stomach (Proton pump inhibitors): To prevent stomach irritation from NSAIDs.
9. Physical therapy: To manage muscle stiffness.
10. Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet and exercise can help manage symptoms.
11. Eye care: Treatment for eye complications, such as glaucoma.
12. Regular monitoring: To track the progress of the condition.
13. Dental care: To manage jaw pain.
14. Smoking cessation: To reduce the risk of complications.
15. Flu and pneumonia vaccines: To prevent infections.
16. Bone density medications (Bisphosphonates): To prevent osteoporosis.
17. Anti-viral medications: In cases related to infections.
18. Antibiotics: If an infection is present.
19. Relaxation techniques: To manage stress.
20. Support groups: To connect with others facing the same condition.

Medications for Temporal Arteritis:

1. Prednisone: A corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.
2. Ibuprofen: An NSAID for pain relief.
3. Acetaminophen: A pain reliever.
4. Methotrexate: An immunosuppressant.
5. Azathioprine: Another immunosuppressant.
6. Tocilizumab: A biologic therapy.
7. Aspirin: A blood thinner.
8. Omeprazole: A proton pump inhibitor to protect the stomach.
9. Alendronate: A bisphosphonate for bone health.
10. Amoxicillin: An antibiotic for infections.
11. Valacyclovir: An antiviral medication.
12. Folic acid: To reduce side effects of methotrexate.
13. Calcium supplements: For bone health.
14. Vitamin D supplements: For bone health.
15. Atorvastatin: A statin for cholesterol management.
16. Gabapentin: For nerve pain.
17. Pregabalin: For nerve pain.
18. Cyclophosphamide: In severe cases.
19. Mycophenolate mofetil: An immunosuppressant.
20. Infliximab: A biologic therapy.

Conclusion:

Temporal arteritis, or giant cell arteritis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the arteries in the head. It primarily affects older adults and can lead to severe complications if left untreated. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, many individuals can manage their symptoms and live a normal life. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of temporal arteritis, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications and improve quality of life.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

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