
Giant Cell Arteritis
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory condition that affects the blood vessels. It is the most prevalent vascular disorder among people over 50 years old, with an average onset age of 72. It can cause pain in the head, joints, face, and arms, and can even lead to vision impairment and blindness. Inflammation due to GCA constricts and blocks blood vessels, interrupting blood flow. GCA is often associated with and can overlap with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Left untreated, GCA can cause blindness, stroke, and aneurysms.
The good news, however, is that GCA is a treatable condition, and most patients experience relief after only a few days of treatment. Traditional treatment options include receiving steroids such as prednisone and other corticosteroids. However, more recently infusion therapy has been used to treat GCA effectively, especially in patients who cannot take oral medications or for whom oral medication has proven ineffective.
Treatments perscribed by:
Referral Forms
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All Referral Forms