Giant Cell Arteritis

Elite Rheumatology and Arthritis Center
Dr. Sumalatha Nandikonda, MD
1727 Orlando Central Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32809
Phone/Text: 407-888-5980

Fax: 4078882492

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“Please note that Elite Rheumatology and Arthritis Center operates under the legal business name 
Sunshine Specialty Healthcare LLC”.

What is Giant Cell Arteritis? 

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a serious inflammatory disease of the blood vessels, classified under vasculitis. It mainly involves the large and medium-sized arteries, especially those supplying the head and scalp, such as the temporal arteries. Because this condition can rapidly affect blood flow to the eyes, Giant Cell Arteritis is considered a medical emergency, and early Giant Cell Arteritis treatment in Orlando or any local location is critical to prevent permanent vision loss.

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Common Signs and  Symptoms:

People with GCA often experience symptoms that develop suddenly and worsen quickly. Early recognition based on giant cell arteritis diagnosis criteria is essential.​

• Persistent headaches, usually around the temples

• Scalp tenderness, especially when touching or combing hair

• Jaw pain while chewing (jaw claudication)

• Visual disturbances such as blurred vision or sudden vision loss

• General symptoms like fatigue, fever, and unexplained weight loss

• Muscle pain and stiffness in the shoulders or hips (linked with polymyalgia rheumatica)

• Doctors rely on established giant cell arteritis diagnosis criteria to differentiate these symptoms from other conditions.

Who is at Risk?

Giant Cell Arteritis almost exclusively affects older adults and is more frequently diagnosed based on age-related giant cell arteritis diagnosis criteria.

High-risk groups include:

• Individuals over the age of 50, with the highest incidence over 70

• Women, who are affected more often than men

• People of Northern European ancestry

• If you fall into these categories, seeking Giant Cell Arteritis treatment in Orlando at the first sign of symptoms is highly recommended.
   

Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis:

Accurate diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical evaluation and testing, following standardized giant cell arteritis diagnosis criteria.

Diagnostic tools include:

• Blood tests showing elevated ESR and CRP levels

• Temporal artery biopsy, which confirms vessel inflammation

• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, MRI, or PET scans of affected arteries
  Meeting the giant cell arteritis diagnosis criteria helps ensure prompt initiation of appropriate giant cell arteritis medications.

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Treatment Options for Giant Cell Arteritis

1. Corticosteroid Therapy

The cornerstone of Giant Cell Arteritis treatment in Orlando and worldwide is immediate high-dose corticosteroids. Prednisone is typically started as soon as GCA is suspected—even before biopsy confirmation.

• Rapid symptom relief

• Prevention of irreversible vision damage

• Gradual dose reduction over several months
   

These remain the most commonly prescribed giant cell arteritis medications.

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2. Biologic Therapies

Advancements in care have expanded giant cell arteritis medications beyond steroids.

Tocilizumab (Actemra) is a biologic therapy approved for Giant Cell Arteritis:

• Targets interleukin-6 (IL-6), a key driver of inflammation

• Reduces steroid dependency

• Helps maintain long-term disease remission
   

Biologic therapies are now a major component of advanced Giant Cell Arteritis treatment in Orlando, especially for patients with frequent relapses.

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Monitoring:

• Regular blood tests to track inflammation

• Eye exams to monitor vision

• Adjust medications based on response and side effects

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Frequently Asked Questions 
 

1. What are the common signs and symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis?

Common indicators include persistent new headaches at the temples, scalp tenderness when brushing hair, and jaw pain while chewing. Some patients also experience sudden vision changes, fever, or fatigue, often alongside muscle stiffness in the shoulders or hips.
 

2. What is Giant Cell Arteritis and why is it an emergency? 

GCA is a form of vasculitis where the lining of your head and temple arteries becomes severely inflamed. It is a medical emergency because the resulting restricted blood flow can cause sudden, permanent blindness or a stroke if not addressed immediately.
 

3. What are the primary giant cell arteritis diagnosis criteria? 

Experts utilize giant cell arteritis diagnosis criteria like age (50+), elevated ESR/CRP inflammatory blood markers, and arterial ultrasound or MRI results. A temporal artery biopsy is typically performed to definitively confirm the presence of inflammation and "giant cells."
 

4. What are the most effective giant cell arteritis medications? 

The most common giant cell arteritis medications involve high-dose corticosteroids (Prednisone) to halt inflammation instantly. Doctors may also prescribe biologics like Tocilizumab (Actemra) to help patients reduce steroid use while keeping the disease in remission.
 

5. Where can I find specialized Giant Cell Arteritis treatment in Orlando?

 For rapid Giant Cell Arteritis treatment in Orlando, Elite Rheumatology provides urgent "Fast-Track" diagnostic services. Get the fastest rheumatology appointment, with immediate lab coordination and rapid treatment planning to protect your vision and long-term vascular health.

If you experience sudden headaches or vision changes, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment is crucial.