How does Giant Cell Arteritis manifest?
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, often begins gradually, with nonspecific symptoms. At first, these signs can easily be mistaken for milder conditions, like the start of a common cold. That is why it is important to pay attention even to subtle symptoms—early treatment is crucial to prevent serious, long-term complications from this inflammatory vascular disease.
What are nonspecific symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis?
Mild fever, night sweats, and loss of appetite are often mistaken for common cold. Unusual fatigue may be attributed to aging, while depressive mood changes or weight loss can be seen as normal parts of everyday life. While these symptoms can be harmless, but if they persist or suddenly worsen, they should not be ignored and should be taken seriously. If specific warning signs appear, it is important to see a doctor promptly.
What symptoms indicate Giant Cell Arteritis?
Inflammation of the blood vessels in the head and face can cause a variety of typical symptoms, including:
- Severe, persistent headaches
- Tender scalp
- Pain while chewing
- Sudden vision problems such as double vision, blurred vision, or reduced visual sharpness
- Prominently temporal arteries that can be felt
- Facial pain
Severe, persistent headaches, often affecting one side and around the temples. Common painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen usually provide little relief.
Tender or painful scalp—many people affected notice pain, for example, when combing or washing their hair.
Pain while chewing (known as "claudicatio masticatoria"), especially after prolonged use of the jaw.
Visual disturbances in one or both eyes—such as double vision or blurred vision—are warning signs of reduced blood flow to the optic nerve and carry a risk of blindness.
Prominently palpable temporal artery—it may feel thickened, appear reddened, or be particularly sensitive to touch.
Facial pain that may radiate across the eyes, jaw, ears, or even the palate or tongue.
What symptoms outside the head may indicate Giant Cell Arteritis?
If any of the following symptoms appear suddenly, it is important to see a doctor promptly:
- Muscle and bone pain
- Persistent cramping in the arms (similar to peripheral artery disease)
- Sensitivity to cold
- Pain in the chest or heart area
Muscle and bone pain (so-called musculoskeletal pain) affects up to half of all patients with Giant Cell Arteritis. This is often due to a related condition called polymyalgia rheumatica (learn more here).
"Window shopper’s disease" (intermittent arm cramps) and sensitivity to cold may be signs that large arteries in the upper extremities are affected.
When inflammation affects the walls of the aorta or its nearby vessels, Giant Cell Arteritis can cause bulges (aneurysms) or even tears (dissections) in the aorta—both of which are life-threatening conditions!
Can other symptoms occur in Giant Cell Arteritis?
While some arteries are less commonly affected by inflammation, more atypical symptoms may appear depending on the type of vessels involved. In severe cases, if the central nervous system (CNS) is affected, a stroke may occur. Other possible signs of the disease include motor speech difficulties (dysarthria), increased sensitivity to noise, and unusual head or facial pain, such as toothache or swelling. Thickened vessel walls may also lead to symptoms in the upper airways, like a dry cough.
Arteries of the lower extremities—that is, in the legs and feet—are generally not affected.
Why is a rapid response so important in Giant Cell Arteritis?
If chronic vascular inflammation is suspected, every hour counts. Depending on the affected artery, oxygen and nutrient supply to vital organs may be reduced—sometimes causing irreversible damage.
The eyes are most frequently affected, with outcomes ranging from persistent visual disturbances to complete blindness. Less common, but potentially life-threatening, inflammation can involve the aorta. Without immediate treatment, this can lead to severe heart damage. (Learn more about treatment options here) That is why individuals with risk factors (learn more here) should seek medical attention immediately if they experience unusual visual problems or sudden headaches.