Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention to prevent severe complications, including irreversible vision loss. Characterized by inflammation of the lining of your arteries, GCA demands specialized care from an experienced rheumatologist. Understanding the initial giant cell arteritis symptoms, like a new, persistent headache, is the first step toward getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Bay Area Rheumatology specializes in the diagnosis and management of complex rheumatic diseases like GCA. Our team of board-certified providers, located in Clearwater and Oldsmar, delivers cutting-edge, compassionate care to patients across the Tampa and St. Petersburg metro areas.
We are not just your doctors; we are your advocates, dedicated to ensuring you have access to the most advanced and affordable GCA treatment options. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is crucial to seek help from a giant cell arteritis doctor immediately. We invite you to request an appointment with our expert team today.
Giant cell arteritis, sometimes called temporal arteritis, is a form of vasculitis—a group of disorders that cause inflammation of blood vessels. In GCA, the vessels most commonly affected are the arteries in the head, especially those in your temples. This inflammation causes the artery walls to swell, which can restrict blood flow.
The exact cause of GCA is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own arteries. It almost exclusively affects adults over the age of 50, and women are more likely to develop the condition than men.
The most common giant cell arteritis symptoms include:
In some cases, giant cell arteritis can cause sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, which is a medical emergency.
The primary goal of giant cell arteritis treatment is to reduce inflammation quickly to prevent tissue damage, especially permanent vision loss. The standard treatment for GCA begins with high doses of corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone. This giant cell arteritis medication is highly effective at controlling inflammation and is typically started immediately, even before a definitive diagnosis is confirmed, due to the serious risks associated with the condition.
For long-term management and to help reduce the dose and side effects of steroids, other medications may be introduced. Newer biologic medications, administered through infusion therapy, have become a vital part of modern GCA treatment.
At Bay Area Rheumatology’s state-of-the-art infusion suites in Clearwater and Oldsmar provide a comfortable and convenient setting for patients from Palm Harbor to New Port Richey to receive these advanced therapies. These infusion services are designed to provide targeted, efficient therapy in a comfortable and supportive environment. Infusion treatments can help manage inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and prevent long-term complications by delivering medication directly into the bloodstream for maximum effectiveness. Our experienced team ensures each patient receives personalized care throughout their infusion therapy to promote the best possible outcomes.
A swift and accurate giant cell arteritis diagnosis is critical. Your rheumatologist at Bay Area Rheumatology will start with a thorough physical exam and listen carefully to your symptoms. If GCA is suspected, your doctor will likely order blood tests to check for elevated inflammatory markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
While a biopsy of the temporal artery is often considered the gold standard for confirming a giant cell arteritis diagnosis, a temporal artery ultrasound is increasingly recognized as a crucial diagnostic tool. This non-invasive imaging test allows specialists to quickly and effectively examine the temporal arteries for signs of inflammation, such as the characteristic "halo sign" or vessel wall thickening, indicative of giant cell arteritis. Our nationally recognized experts leverage their extensive experience with advanced imaging techniques, including ultrasound, to ensure a prompt and precise diagnosis, minimizing the need for more invasive procedures when possible.
When facing a serious condition like GCA, you need a specialist you can trust. The providers at Bay Area Rheumatology are more than just board-certified physicians; they are leaders in the field of rheumatology. As faculty at multiple universities, contributors to peer-reviewed journals, and leaders in national organizations, they are at the forefront of rheumatologic care and clinical research.
This expertise allows us to offer the most advanced treatments available. More importantly, we are fierce patient advocates. We understand the challenges of navigating insurance and prior authorizations. Our team works tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you get the giant cell arteritis medication and care you need without delay. With quick appointment access and a focus on compassionate care, we are the premier choice for GCA treatment in the Tampa area.
Getting help for potential GCA symptoms should not be delayed. Bay Area Rheumatology makes it easy to schedule a visit with a specialist. We prioritize fast access to care because we know that timely intervention is crucial. You can schedule your appointment online through our convenient portal. Our dedicated team is ready to provide the expert care you need to protect your health and well-being. We look forward to seeing you in one of our clinics and partnering with you on your path to recovery.
The most common symptoms include a new, severe headache (often in the temples), scalp tenderness, jaw pain that occurs with chewing, fever, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Sudden vision problems, like double vision or vision loss, are a medical emergency.
While the exact cause is unknown, genetics may play a role. Having a close relative with GCA may slightly increase your risk, but it is not considered a directly inherited condition. Age and gender are stronger risk factors.
Untreated GCA can lead to serious complications. The most severe is permanent, partial, or complete vision loss in one or both eyes. Other potential complications include aortic aneurysm and stroke. This is why prompt giant cell arteritis treatment is essential.
Treatment for GCA is typically long-term, often lasting one to two years or more. Corticosteroids are gradually tapered to the lowest effective dose. Other medications may be used to help reduce the reliance on steroids and manage the condition over the long run.