Headache and visual disturbance a warning sign

Visual disturbances and headaches may indicate a giant cell arteritis

16/10/2014

If headache suddenly re-emerges at the age of 50 and is accompanied by blurred vision, this should be considered as a possible warning sign of a so-called giant cell arteritis. In this special form of vasculitis „Rapid intervention is important, because untreated, the vascular inflammation can lead to blindness and life-threatening circulatory disorders“, reports the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh).

According to the association of experts, giant cell arteritis usually affects one or more branches of the carotid artery, especially the temporal artery (temporal artery), but the disease generally affects the entire body. In all limbs and body regions, arteries can be caught by the arteritis. In the course of inflammation, the walls of the blood vessels swell significantly, causing the „conduits“ narrows for the blood and close completely in the worst case, reports the DGRh.

Giant cell arteritis can be life-threatening
Although the causes of giant cell arteritis have not been conclusively resolved to this day, it is assumed that it is an autoimmune disease in which a malfunction of the immune system leads to inflammatory reactions to the body's own structures, reports the news agency „dpa“ citing Professor Wolfgang Schmidt of the German Society of Rheumatology. „Larger cell accumulations are formed so that the veins become thick and swollen, in extreme cases, closures can occur“, the news agency quotes the experts. As typical features of the disease, DGRh calls onset of disease beyond the age of 50 years, sudden onset of headache, localized pressure pain or weakened pulsation of the temporal arteries and visual disturbances. Other complaints may include, for example, pain when chewing and nonspecific general symptoms such as fever or poor performance. Depending on the affected arteries, further serious consequences of hypoperfusion may occur, including aortic aneurysms, aortic ruptures or heart attacks.

Timely treatment required
Giant cell arteritis is increasingly associated with obstruction of the central artery of the eyes, which in turn can lead to irreversible vision impairment. Will the blood supply „cut off, eyesight can be irretrievably lost“, reports the DGRh. Therefore, fast action is required here. An early-onset cortisone therapy shows extensive success in the majority of patients and helps maintain vision. If the symptoms of sudden headache, visual disturbances, fever, anemia and a high erythrocyte sediment rate are associated with the suspicion of giant cell arteritis, treatment is started immediately - even before the diagnosis is confirmed by taking a tissue sample. (Fp)