Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels, primarily affecting the large and medium-sized arteries of the head, especially the temporal arteries. It typically occurs in adults over age 50 and causes symptoms such as new-onset headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain while chewing, vision problems, and sometimes fever or fatigue. The inflammation can narrow or block affected arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to serious complications like permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.