Temporal arteritis
If your GP suspects you have giant cell arteritis (GCA), they'll ask you about your symptoms and examine your head.
This is because giant cell arteritis can cause physical signs, such as noticeably swollen arteries inyour temples.
If your GP suspects you may have giant cell arteritis, they'll refer you for Blood tests to help assess the levels of inflammation inside your body.
Two blood tests that you may have are erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). These tests are useful for assessing conditions associated with short- or long-term inflammation.
Lab Tests Online UK has more information about ESR and CRP tests.
If you have vision problems, it's likely your GP will arrange a same-day appointment with aneye specialist (ophthalmologist). This will usually be at your local hospital or eye clinic.
The ophthalmologist will check your eyesfor changes associated with giant cell arteritis, such as bleeding or swelling at the site of your optic nerve (the nerve at the back of the eye that transmits signals to the brain).
Atemporal artery biopsy is most commonly used to test for giant cell arteritis.
During the procedure, the skin on the side of your head is numbed with a local anaesthetic . An incisionis made close to the hairline in front of your ear, and a small sample of your temporal arteryis removed. The incision will then be sealed with stitches.
Thesample can be studied under a microscope in a laboratory to check for damage and inflammationof the lining of the arteries. It can take several days toget the results of a biopsy.
If giant cell arteritis is suspected, treatment with steroid medication (corticosteroids) will usually begin immediately. Waiting until the results of the biopsy are known could affect your sight.
This also ensures that thosewho no longer havethe condition don't continue receiving steroid treatment unnecessarily.Long-term steroid use can cause side effects.
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a condition where medium and large arteries, usually in the head and neck, become inflamed.
The most common symptom of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a mild to severe headache, although some people also experience jaw pain and vision problems.
If your GP thinks you may have giant cell arteritis (GCA), they'll ask you about your symptoms and examine your head.
Steroid medication (corticosteroids) is the preferred treatment for giant cell arteritis (GCA).
People with giant cell arteritis (GCA) can sometimes develop further problems associated with the condition.