Always clarify the causes of headaches and vision problems with a doctor

Attention to blurred vision and headache
If headaches suddenly appear over the age of 50, this could be a serious signal that should be examined by a doctor. The German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh) pointed out that, for example, a giant cell arteritis could be the cause. If left untreated, the vasculitis can lead to blindness and life-threatening circulatory disorders.

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 the inflammation, the walls of the blood vessels swell significantly, whereby the "conduits" are narrowed for the blood and close completely in the worst case, reports the DGRh.

Vision problems and headaches can be serious. (Image: SENTELLO / fotolia.com)

Giant cell arteritis can be life-threatening
Although the causes of giant cell arteritis are not yet fully understood, 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, the news agency "dpa" citing Professor Wolfgang Schmidt from the German Society of Rheumatology.

"It form larger cell accumulations, so that the veins become thick and swollen, in extreme cases, it can lead to closures," the news agency quoted the experts. As typical features of the disease, the DGRh calls onset of disease beyond the age of 50, 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. If the blood supply "cut off, the 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. (sb, fp)