Which are the symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?

Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the medium and large arteries, primarily in the head and neck. It most commonly affects individuals over the age of 50, with women being more commonly affected than men. GCA can lead to serious complications if left untreated, making early recognition of symptoms crucial.

1. Headaches: One of the most common symptoms of GCA is persistent, severe headaches. These headaches often affect the temples and can be throbbing or dull in nature. They may worsen with movement or chewing.

2. Scalp tenderness: Many individuals with GCA experience tenderness or sensitivity of the scalp, particularly over the affected arteries. This tenderness may make it uncomfortable to brush or touch the hair.

3. Jaw pain: GCA can cause pain and stiffness in the jaw muscles, making it difficult to open the mouth wide or chew. This symptom is known as jaw claudication and is often a key indicator of the condition.

4. Vision problems: GCA can affect the blood supply to the eyes, leading to various visual disturbances. Some individuals may experience sudden, partial, or complete vision loss in one or both eyes. Blurred vision, double vision, or seeing halos around lights are also common symptoms.

5. Fatigue and malaise: Many people with GCA report feeling extremely tired and lacking energy. They may also experience a general sense of discomfort or unease, known as malaise.

6. Flu-like symptoms: Some individuals with GCA may develop flu-like symptoms such as low-grade fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, and muscle aches. These symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions, so it is important to consider them in the context of other GCA symptoms.

7. Scalp or facial pain: In addition to scalp tenderness, GCA can cause pain in the face, particularly around the temples, forehead, or cheeks. This pain may be constant or intermittent.

8. Neck or shoulder pain: GCA can also cause pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. This discomfort may be localized or radiate down the arms.

9. Fever: While not always present, some individuals with GCA may experience low-grade fevers.

10. Unintended weight loss: GCA can lead to unintentional weight loss, which may be attributed to a loss of appetite or the overall inflammatory process.

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you are over the age of 50, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. GCA is a serious condition that can lead to permanent vision loss or other complications if not treated with appropriate medications, such as corticosteroids.