Giant Cell Arteritis & Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Improving Quality of Life with GCA & Polymyalgia Rheumatica Care

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) are related inflammatory conditions that primarily affect older adults. GCA causes inflammation in the blood vessels, especially the temporal arteries, while PMR results in stiffness and pain in the shoulders and hips. These conditions are more common in women over the age of 50. If left untreated, GCA can lead to serious complications like vision loss. Although the exact cause is unknown, immune system dysfunction is believed to be a key factor. Early recognition and treatment are critical to prevent long-term damage and restore function.

Common symptoms include new-onset headache, jaw pain when chewing, fatigue, scalp tenderness, and shoulder stiffness. Prompt treatment with corticosteroids is essential to reduce inflammation and protect vision. Additional therapies may include immunosuppressants and low-dose aspirin. Regular follow-up helps adjust medications, monitor side effects, and support symptom control while gradually reducing steroid use.

Giant Cell Arteritis & Polymyalgia Rheumatica Symptoms

Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica are inflammatory disorders that affect blood vessels and large muscle groups, causing pain, stiffness, and potentially serious complications if not treated promptly.

• Persistent headache, especially in the temples, often accompanied by scalp tenderness.
• Stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, and hips—especially in the morning.
• Jaw pain or fatigue when chewing, a hallmark sign of temporal arteritis.
• Vision problems, such as blurred vision or sudden loss of vision in one eye.
• General symptoms like fatigue, low-grade fever, and unintended weight loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica requires clinical evaluation, blood tests for inflammation, and imaging or biopsy to confirm vascular involvement or muscle-related symptoms.

• Doctors assess headache, scalp tenderness, and shoulder or hip stiffness.
• Blood tests check for high ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP levels.
• Temporal artery biopsy may confirm GCA by detecting vessel inflammation.
• Ultrasound of temporal arteries can show thickening and reduced blood flow.
• MRI or PET scans may be used to detect large-vessel inflammation or damage.
• Symptom improvement with corticosteroids also supports clinical diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Although there is no cure for GCA or PMR, early and consistent treatment can relieve inflammation, prevent complications, and restore daily function effectively.

• Corticosteroids like prednisone are the mainstay for reducing inflammation quickly.
• Steroid-sparing agents such as methotrexate may be added for long-term control.
• Tocilizumab (an IL-6 inhibitor) is used in some cases to reduce steroid dependence.
• Physical therapy helps manage stiffness, maintain mobility, and ease muscle pain.
• Frequent follow-ups are needed to monitor side effects and disease response.

Therapy & Surgery

Supportive therapies and lifestyle adaptations help reduce stiffness, improve function, and enhance daily living in GCA and Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

• Physical therapy improves joint mobility, reduces stiffness, and helps maintain flexibility.
• Low-impact exercises and gentle routines can ease pain and restore physical strength.
• Occupational therapy teaches joint protection, posture correction, and energy-saving techniques.