Giant cell Arteritis
Do you have a new, persistent headache after age 50? Does your scalp feel sore when combing your hair, or do you experience jaw pain while chewing?
These could be warning signs of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), also called temporal arteritis. GCA is a serious condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels, most commonly in the head and neck. Left untreated, it can lead to vision loss and other serious complications, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we help patients recognize concerning headache symptoms and guide them to the appropriate urgent care they need. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to protecting your vision and overall health.
What is GCA?
Giant Cell Arteritis, also known as temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the medium and large arteries, especially those around the temples. The inflammation narrows or blocks blood flow, leading to headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, and sometimes sudden vision loss.
Because GCA can cause permanent blindness or stroke if untreated, it is considered a medical emergency. Prompt recognition and treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, usually corticosteroids, can help prevent serious complications.
Symptoms of GCA
People with GCA may experience:
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Headache (often at the temples, but can occur anywhere in the head)
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Scalp tenderness (pain when touching or brushing hair)
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Jaw claudication (pain in the jaw while eating or talking)
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Vision changes (blurred vision, double vision, or sudden vision loss — an emergency)
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Systemic symptoms: fatigue, fever, weight loss, or night sweats
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Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR): stiffness and aching in shoulders, hips, or neck, which can occur alongside GCA
Who Is at Risk?
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People over age 50 (most common in the 70s and 80s)
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Women are affected more often than men
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Higher prevalence in individuals of Northern European descent
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Patients with polymyalgia rheumatica have an increased risk
How do you diagnose GCA?
Diagnosing GCA requires urgent medical evaluation.
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Blood tests: Elevated ESR and CRP (markers of inflammation)
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Temporal artery biopsy: Gold standard, showing inflamed vessel walls and giant cells
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Ultrasound or MRI: May show artery wall thickening or narrowing
Because untreated GCA can cause irreversible blindness, treatment often begins before biopsy results are back.
How is GCA treated?
The main treatment is immediate corticosteroids (prednisone) to reduce vessel inflammation and protect vision.
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High-dose steroids are started right away, sometimes intravenously if vision symptoms are present
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Long-term therapy is usually needed, with gradual tapering of steroids over months to years
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Steroid-sparing medications (like methotrexate or tocilizumab) may be added to reduce side effects and improve control
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Regular monitoring is important to prevent relapse and manage medication risks
Why It Matters
GCA is a medical emergency. Any new headache, scalp tenderness, or visual disturbance in someone over 50 should raise concern. With prompt treatment, the risk of blindness and other complications can be greatly reduced.
What is the most serious complication of GCA?
Sudden, permanent vision loss from blocked blood flow to the optic nerve.
Can GCA go away on its own?
No — untreated GCA can lead to severe, irreversible complications. Medical treatment is always required.
How long will I need treatment?
Most patients require steroid treatment for 1–2 years, sometimes longer.
Can GCA come back after treatment?
Yes — relapses are possible, so ongoing follow-up with your doctor is essential.
Is GCA the same as polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)?
No, but they often occur together. PMR causes muscle stiffness and pain, while GCA involves blood vessel inflammation.
Takeaway:
If you are over 50 and notice a new headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, or vision changes, do not ignore the symptoms. Seek immediate medical care — early treatment can prevent vision loss and protect your health.
Read Dr. Chandrashekhar's published article about Giant Cell Arteritis.
