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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
The most common symptoms of giant cell arteritis are head pain and tenderness — often severe — that usually occurs in both temples. Some people, however, have pain in only one temple or the front of the head.
Signs and symptoms of giant cell arteritis can vary. For some people, the onset of the condition feels like the flu — with muscle aches (myalgia), fever and fatigue, as well as headache.
Generally, signs and symptoms of giant cell arteritis include:
- Persistent head pain and tenderness, usually in your temple area
- Decreased visual acuity or double vision
- Scalp tenderness — it may hurt to comb your hair or even to lay your head on a pillow, especially where the arteries are inflamed
- Jaw pain (jaw claudication) when you chew
- Pain and stiffness in your neck, arms or hips — usually worse in the morning before you get out of bed
- Sudden, permanent loss of vision in one eye
- Fever
- Unintended weight loss
The pain and stiffness in the neck, arms or hips are common symptoms of a related disorder, polymyalgia rheumatica. Approximately half the people with GCA also have polymyalgia rheumatica.
When to see a doctor
If you develop a new, persistent headache or any of the problems listed above, see your doctor without delay. If you're diagnosed with GCA, starting treatment as soon as possible can usually help prevent blindness.
