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Giant cell arteritis
A new headache after 50, with scalp tenderness or jaw pain on chewing, can be a sight-threatening emergency. Recognise it, and act the same day.
A medical urgency
If you are over 50 and have a new headache with scalp tenderness, jaw pain on chewing, or any change in vision — seek medical care the same day. Giant cell arteritis can cause permanent loss of sight within days, and treatment should start immediately.
What is giant cell arteritis?
Giant cell arteritis (GCA, also called temporal arteritis) is inflammation of medium and large arteries, especially those in the head and neck. When the arteries supplying the eye narrow, vision can be lost. It affects people over 50, and overlaps with polymyalgia rheumatica.
Symptoms
- A new, persistent headache, often at the temples
- Scalp tenderness — painful to comb the hair or rest the head on a pillow
- Jaw pain when chewing that eases with rest (jaw claudication)
- Blurred vision, double vision, or a curtain over part of the vision — an emergency
- Fever, tiredness, weight loss
- Shoulder and hip stiffness (polymyalgia)
How it is diagnosed
- ESR and CRP — usually high
- Ultrasound of the temporal arteries — shows a characteristic "halo" in experienced hands
- Temporal artery biopsy where needed
- Scans (such as PET-CT) when larger arteries like the aorta may be involved
Treatment is not delayed for tests. When GCA is strongly suspected, steroids are started immediately; ultrasound or biopsy is done in the following days.
How it is treated
- High-dose steroids straight away — intravenous treatment if vision is affected
- Slow tapering over many months
- Tocilizumab (a biologic) or methotrexate can reduce relapses and the total steroid needed
- Bone protection and monitoring for steroid side effects
In line with the 2018 EULAR and 2020 British Society for Rheumatology recommendations for GCA.
Common questions
Can giant cell arteritis cause blindness?+
Yes — that is why it is treated urgently. Vision lost before treatment usually does not return, but prompt steroids protect the other eye and remaining sight.
Is GCA the same as a migraine?+
No. GCA is a new type of headache in someone over 50, often with scalp tenderness and jaw pain, and with raised inflammation markers. Any new headache after 50 deserves medical assessment.
How long is treatment for GCA?+
Typically 1–2 years of tapering steroids, sometimes with tocilizumab or methotrexate to reduce relapses and steroid side effects.
Diagnosed with GCA or PMR?
Long-term follow-up keeps relapses and steroid side effects to a minimum. Walk-in, no appointment needed.
Clinic timings & location