Temporal or giant cell arteritis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which medium and large arterial vessels are affected. Primarily it affects the vessels of the system of carotid arteries, especially the temporal and ocular, sometimes vertebral, and in rare cases - the arteries of the upper limbs.
Causes of temporal arteritis
The exact causes of the onset of the disease are not known to date. It is suggested that temporal arteritis may occur as a result of viral injury or bacterial infection. In addition, the development of the disease is affected by genetic predisposition, unfavorable environmental conditions and age factors.
As a result of the inflammatory process, the walls of the arteries become edematous, their lumen narrows and, as a consequence, the passage of blood and the transport of oxygen become difficult. In severe cases, due to the narrowing of the arteries, vascular deformations, their dilatation, as well as blockage of the vessel and the onset of thrombosis, can result in a stroke or loss of vision.
Symptoms of temporal arteritis
Consider how the disease manifests itself. Usually, patients feel:
- strong, usually throbbing headaches (most often in the occipital and temporal areas);
- pain in the lower jaw, when chewing giving in the whiskey;
- visual impairment: double vision, blurred vision, temporary blindness;
- the descent of the upper eyelid;
- soreness of the skin of the head: pain occurs when touched, combed, etc.;
- pain in the neck ;
- tension and tenderness of muscles in the neck, arms, thighs, most often observed in the morning or after any, even minor, physical exertion;
- nodularity and tenderness of the temporal arteries, marked by palpation;
- impaired pulse on peripheral arteries;
- general weakness, fever;
- decreased appetite and weight loss.
Treatment of temporal arteritis
This disease, usually, is treated with hormonal therapy. And the treatment is quite long, the course of taking special drugs (corticosteroids) can last up to several years.
Surgical intervention with temporal arteritis is resorted only to complications that are dangerous for the life and health of the patient: obstruction of the vessels, which leads to blindness, a threat of stroke , an aneurysm.
Specific preventive agents that can prevent the development of the disease do not exist, but with a healthy lifestyle, the risk is somewhat reduced.
It should be noted that temporal arteritis is a dangerous disease that can lead to serious consequences, but it is completely curable. And the earlier treatment is started, the more favorable the forecasts. Therefore, if symptoms occur that can indicate arteritis, you should immediately consult a doctor, and not self-medicate.