Giant Cell Arteritis Symptoms
When analyzing the symptoms of giant cell arteritis, you should first know
that the condition deals with the inflammation of the lining regarding your
arteries, which are responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the
rest of the body. It is through this deficit in this important bodily function
that the flow of oxygen is interrupted throughout certain parts of the body.
Those suffering from giant cell arteritis symptoms often experience changes in
their head (temple area), as well as in the neck, upper body, and arms. Because
these areas of the body are affected, the condition is sometimes referred to as
temporal arteritis. The exact cause of giant cell arteritis symptoms is not
known, but many theories involve such topics including environmental and viral
threats.
Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis
While the most common symptoms of giant cell arteritis include head discomfort
and tenderness that could affect both temples in a severe manner, there are many
other signs that suggest the condition is present. A few giant cell arteritis
symptoms to consider may include:
- Flu-Like Symptoms: For some patients, the onset of giant cell arteritis
resembles the start of the flu, where muscles ache, accompanied by fever and
extreme tiredness.
- Vision Problems: A decrease in the acuteness of vision or the experience
of double vision is associated with giant cell arteritis. Some patients
complain of a sudden loss of vision in one eye that sadly never returns.
- Scalp Concerns: The scalp may feel tender when symptoms of giant cell
arteritis are present. This might be felt as you run a comb through your
hair or even lay your head on a pillow. Extreme pain is felt when you touch
upon inflamed arteries.
- Jaw Pain: Some patients feel pain as they chew. This is called jaw
claudication.
- Pain and Stiffness: The neck, hips, and arms may experience pain and
stiffness, which tends to be worse at the start of the day (right before you
get out of the bed).
- Weight Loss: A decrease in weight (without trying) may occur.
When it comes to giant cell arteritis symptoms, it is important to
familiarize yourself with the risk factors that contribute to the development of
such a condition. For starters, mature adults older than 50 years old tend to
exhibit the greatest risk for giant cell arteritis symptoms. Women are also 2 to
3 times more likely to develop the symptoms of giant cell arteritis than their
male counterparts. It is quite important to seek medical help regarding the
symptoms of giant cell arteritis because ignoring the signs may lead to loss of
vision or worse.
Giant Cell Arteritis Symptoms to G
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