When you feel a persistent, throbbing headache on one side of your head, along with jaw pain when chewing or vision changes, it might not be just stress or a migraine. It could be giant cell arteritis, a type of inflammation that targets large arteries, especially the temporal arteries near the temples. Also known as temporal arteritis, this condition mostly affects people over 50 and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated fast. It doesn’t show up on regular blood tests alone—you need a doctor who knows what to look for.
Giant cell arteritis often shows up alongside polymyalgia rheumatica, a condition that causes sudden stiffness and pain in the shoulders and hips. About half the people with one have the other. Both are types of vasculitis, inflammation of blood vessels. The exact cause isn’t clear, but it’s tied to immune system misfires, not infections or lifestyle choices. What’s known is this: if you’re over 50 and suddenly can’t chew without pain, or notice blurred vision in one eye, waiting even a day can be risky. Steroids like prednisone are the standard treatment—and they work fast, often stopping symptoms within days. But long-term use brings side effects, so doctors try to taper doses carefully.
What you won’t find in most online searches is how often this condition gets missed. Many people think it’s just aging, arthritis, or a bad sinus infection. But the real red flags—sudden vision changes, scalp tenderness, unexplained fatigue, or fever—need urgent attention. A biopsy of the temporal artery is the gold standard for diagnosis, and imaging like ultrasound or PET scans can help too. The good news? With early treatment, most people recover fully and avoid blindness. The catch? You have to act before the damage is done.
The posts below cover what works, what doesn’t, and what’s new in managing this condition. You’ll find real-world insights on steroid use, how it interacts with other meds like blood thinners or arthritis drugs, and what to watch for when symptoms return. No fluff. Just clear, practical info to help you ask the right questions and stay ahead of complications.
Vasculitis is a rare autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels, leading to organ damage if untreated. Learn about types, symptoms, diagnosis, and modern treatments-including steroid-sparing drugs like avacopan.