What is arteritis?

Arteritis is also called giant cell arteritis and it is the special condition of the blood vessels responsible for ensuring with blood head and eyes. Arteritis appears in the case of elder patients, especially after the age of 60 and more likely in the case of women. One of the most affected parts of the body is the eyes and the optic nerve because of the reduction of blood and oxygen supply in the head, especially in the case of eyes. Many people who suffer from arteritis may lose their vision or may experience a poor vision. However, the permanent loss of vision may be prevented if the disorder is discovered in time and treated properly.

What are the affected organs in the case of arteritis?

In the most cases arteritis affects the optic nerve and the vision, but there are also cases when it appears in the arteries of the arms, neck and other upper parts of the body. The inflammation of the arteritis may appear almost everywhere, but it seems that its favorite place of action is the head.

What are the signs and symptoms of this condition?

Eye problems and headaches are the first signs of arteritis and if these symptoms may seem bearable, than the same thing cannot be said about the great pain in the temple area. Fever, fatigue and sometimes depression are other signs that may not be considered specific for this only condition, but they are worth being taken into account. Double vision, loss of appetite, sore neck and discomfort in the case of combing or even touching are other symptoms that have no connection between them, but they may be the crucial signs of arteritis.

What are the causes of arteritis?

The causes of arteritis are not known and researchers try to find if the hereditary aspects or environmental factors contribute to the triggering action of arteritis. Some viral factors are also suspected to play an important role in the appearance of arteritis. The blood clots may also contribute to the reduction of the blood flow and oxygen to some parts of the body and then develop into arteritis.

Are there any risk factors?

The age is a risk factor, as in many cases people who have the age of 50 and elder ages have this disease. Sex is another important factor, as women are more likely to develop this disorder. The Scandinavian people are also more frequently affected by arteritis and so are those who have arthritic condition.

How the arteritis may be detected?

C-reactive protein test and blood test with specific information about the functioning of red blood cells may be enough for a physician to detect the arteritis. Another important aspect in detecting arteritis is the biopsy of the temporal artery. The condition of this artery is very important, as it provides the necessary blood flow and oxygen to the eyes and optic nerve and that is why arteritis is also called temporal arteritis. The biopsy of the temporal artery is decisive in establishing the diagnosis of arteritis. Besides, the age of the patient may also play an important role, as it is not so likely for a younger patient to have arteritis, but in cases of patients of 60 or more years the likeliness is greater.

What is the recommended treatment for arteritis?

This disease may need the input and implication of two specialists – the ophthalmologist and the physician for internal disorders. The inflammatory process of the temporal artery should be reduced with the help of effective medication. The medication for arteritis contains steroids and has to be administrated orally. Some improvements may be noticed within several days, but the maintenance of the treatment for longer periods may be necessary.