Question 1

what is giant cell arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Vascular inflammatio: It is a specific form of vascular inflammation in which there is inflammatory disruption of vessel lining, usually with visible giant cells, which is often associated with headaches, fatigue, anemia and can produce blindness.

Question 2

what is giant cell arteritis like?

Accepted Answer

Vessel inflammation: Vessel inflammation producing headache, fatigue and often blindness.

Question 3

can you give me more info on giant cell arteritis ?

Accepted Answer

Giant cell arteritis: Inflammatory disease of blood vessels most commonly involving large and medium arteries of the head, predominantly the branches of the external carotid artery. It is a form of vasculitis. The most serious complication of gca is permanent blindness, though this can be prevented by prompt treatment with corticosteroids.

Question 4

what are the safest home remedies for giant cell arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Steroids now!: The only safe thing for proven giant cell arteritis is immediate high-dose corticosteroids (usually prednisone, 40-60 mg by mouth daily) for at least a few weeks, then tapering the dose.  These drugs do have side effects but they usually don't cause immediate, untreatable blindness, which untreated gca can.  My next procedure today is a temporal artery biopsy to attempt diagnosis of this condition.

Question 5

what is the definition or description of: giant cell arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Giant cell arteritis: Giant cell arteritis is considered a vasculitis where an individual's on body's immune cells attacked the lining of the large blood vessels.  This may be associated with headaches, difficulty chewing, and in severe cases visual changes and even visual loss.  This is an area routinely handled by a rheumatologist.  I am happy to do a consult if needed.

Question 6

my sister has developed giant cell arteritis. what is it exactly?

Accepted Answer

GCA: GCA can cause proximal muscle weakness making it hard to climb stairs or get out of a chair; can cause blindness; can cause aortic aneurysms and can cause arterial occlusion of the arm all of which are  treatable or preventable. It is an inflammation of the arteries. Problem typically treated by a Rheumatologist.

Question 7

could you give me any info regarding the illness giant cell arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Giant cell arteritis: Inflammatory disease of blood vessels most commonly involving large and medium arteries of the head, predominantly the branches of the external carotid artery. It is a form of vasculitis. The most serious complication of gca is permanent blindness, though this can be prevented by prompt treatment with corticosteroids.

Question 8

what is the treatment for giant cell arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Steroids: Corticosteroids are required to control it, monitored according to ESR and symptom relief.

Question 9

how are polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis related?

Accepted Answer

Overlapping: They may occur separately or together.

Question 10

how are polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Overlapping: They are overlapping disorders. They can occur separately or together.  Clinical experience of the doctor and elevated erythrocyte sedimentationrate are the most reliable findings.

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What is giant cell arteritis?

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Can you give me more info on giant cell arteritis ?

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What are the safest home remedies for giant cell arteritis?

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What is the definition or description of: giant cell arteritis?

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My sister has developed giant cell arteritis. what is it exactly?

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Could you give me any info regarding the illness giant cell arteritis?

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What is the treatment for giant cell arteritis?

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How are polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis related?

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How are polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis diagnosed?

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