Giant Cell Arteritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Giant Cell Arteritis?
A rheumatologist (a doctor who treats arthritis and other immune and inflammatory diseases) is the usual specialist for giant cell arteritis. Vision changes are an emergency. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is giant cell arteritis?
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is inflammation and damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the head, neck, upper body, and arms. Inflammation means swelling and irritation.
It is also called temporal arteritis. It most commonly occurs in the arteries around the temples, on the sides of the head.
GCA is more common in people with polymyalgia rheumatica. This is another inflammatory disorder that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulders, upper arms, hip area, and sometimes the neck.
Symptoms
Symptoms often build up over weeks or months. In some people, they start suddenly. Common signs include:
- A new, throbbing headache on one side of the head or at the back of the head.
- Scalp tenderness, which means the scalp hurts when touched.
- Jaw pain, especially when chewing.
- Vision changes, such as blurred vision, double vision, or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Fever, weakness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
- Muscle aches, and pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, upper arms, or hips.
Vision problems can become permanent within hours or days if they are not treated. Call 911 if vision changes happen.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause is unknown. It is believed to be due in part to a faulty immune response, which means the immune system is not working the way it should. Some infections and certain genes have also been linked to it.
GCA almost always affects people over age 50. Women are more likely to get it than men. It is most common in people of northern European descent. The condition may run in families.
How doctors diagnose it
There is no specific test for giant cell arteritis. Your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and examine your head. The scalp is often sensitive to touch. There may be a tender, thick artery on one side of the head, most often over one or both temples.
Blood tests check for inflammation. These include the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Blood tests alone cannot provide a diagnosis.
Imaging tests can look at the arteries. These may include a color Doppler ultrasound (a scan that uses sound waves) of the temporal arteries, MRI or CT angiography (pictures of the blood vessels), or a PET scan.
A temporal artery biopsy takes a sample of the artery. It is a surgical procedure that can be done as an outpatient. If the ultrasound is positive, a biopsy may not be needed.
Treatment
Getting prompt treatment can help prevent severe problems such as blindness or stroke.
Treatment is usually with corticosteroids, a type of steroid medicine such as prednisone, taken by mouth. These medicines are often started even before a biopsy is done. Most people begin to feel better within a few days after starting treatment. You may also be told to take aspirin.
The dose of corticosteroids will be cut back very slowly, so follow your doctor's instructions. Treatment often lasts 1 to 2 years, and it can be longer.
In most people, a biologic medicine called tocilizumab is also added. Biologic medicines are a type of drug made from living cells. Tocilizumab reduces how much corticosteroid is needed to control the disease.
Long-term steroid use can make bones thinner and raise the risk of fractures, which are broken bones. To protect your bones:
- Avoid smoking and excess alcohol.
- Take extra calcium and vitamin D, based on your provider's advice.
- Start walking or other weight-bearing exercise.
- Get a bone density test, also called a DEXA scan.
- Take a bisphosphonate medicine, a type of bone-protecting drug, such as alendronate (Fosamax), as prescribed by your provider.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have a throbbing headache that does not go away, or other symptoms of temporal arteritis.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have any change in vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, or sudden vision loss. Also call if you have sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or fainting. Vision loss can become permanent within hours or days, and GCA can lead to a stroke.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can see you for an evaluation of headaches, jaw pain, or stiffness, follow your symptoms over time, and coordinate care with a rheumatologist.
Common questions
Is giant cell arteritis serious?
Yes, it can be. Without prompt treatment, it can cause permanent vision loss or a stroke. Early treatment helps prevent these problems.
Can giant cell arteritis be prevented?
No, current medical sources list no known way to prevent it. Protecting your bones while you take steroids is still important.
Can giant cell arteritis come back?
It can. Symptoms often return after steroid doses are lowered or stopped. The condition may also return at a later date.
Sources
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - Giant cell arteritis
- MedlinePlus - Giant Cell Arteritis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
