What is Temporal Arteritis (also known as Giant Cell Arteritis)?
Giant Cell Arteritis, Temporal Arteritis and Cranial Arteritis are terms which can be used when diagnosing an inflammatory disease affecting the medium sized arteries, more specifically the many arteries which supply the head and eyes. Arteritis is a condition which can cause sudden loss of sight in one eye. Arteritis may be generalised or confined to one area . When the condition is generalised, the term Giant Cell Arteritis is more likely to be used, but when the effects are limited to the arteries in the scalp, it is more likely that the terms Temporal or Cranial Arteritis will be used. Effects of the Condition The condition occurs most often in medium sized arteries which may swell and become tender. The blood flow in these arteries is stopped by a clot forming. Occasionally giant cell arteritis may be accompanied by severe headaches, fever, weight loss, depression, strokes and heart attacks. Pain and stiffness in related muscle groups may occur months or years before the cranial s
