Losing your vision, either partially or entirely, can be deeply distressing. It can limit your independence, affect your mobility, and make it challenging to maintain employment. Depending on the extent of your sight loss, adjusting to this new reality may involve significant lifestyle changes and expenses.
If your vision loss was caused by medical negligence, you have up to three years from the incident to bring a claim. At Tees, our experienced medical negligence solicitors can guide you through the process.
With prompt diagnosis and treatment, Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a manageable and often curable condition. However, untreated GCA can lead to serious complications, including irreversible vision loss.
Sarah Stocker, a solicitor specialising in GCA claims at Tees, explains the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of this often-overlooked condition.
What is Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)?
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is the most common form of vasculitis in adults, primarily affecting those over the age of 50. The name refers to the large or “giant” cells that can be seen when inflamed arteries are examined under a microscope.
GCA mainly affects the arteries in the temples but can impact other arteries throughout the body.
Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis
The symptoms of GCA can vary depending on which arteries are affected. Common symptoms include:
- Severe, recurring headaches
- Tenderness over the temples
- Scalp sensitivity, especially when brushing hair
- Jaw pain while eating or talking
- Vision disturbances such as double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes
Other general symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fever
- Unintended weight loss
- Shoulder, hip, and neck pain
- Depression
If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly sudden vision loss, seek medical attention immediately.
Causes of Giant Cell Arteritis
The exact cause of GCA remains unknown, and there are no well-established risk factors. However, it is most commonly seen in individuals over the age of 50 and may be linked to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy blood vessels.
Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis
A diagnosis of GCA usually involves:
- Physical examination: A doctor will check for tenderness over the temples and may identify a weakened pulse in the arteries.
- Blood tests: Inflammation markers like Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) may indicate GCA.
- Ophthalmologist referral: An eye specialist may conduct a thorough examination to check for optic nerve damage.
- Ultrasound or biopsy: A temporal artery biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of giant cells.
Prompt diagnosis is essential to prevent permanent vision loss.
Treatment for Giant Cell Arteritis
Steroid Medication, typically prednisolone, is the primary treatment for GCA. Due to the risk of vision loss, treatment often starts before test results are confirmed.
- Initial High-Dose Steroids: Administered for several weeks to control symptoms.
- Long-Term Management: The dosage is gradually reduced, sometimes over several years.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Some individuals may require lifelong maintenance treatment.
Prognosis for Giant Cell Arteritis
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the outlook for GCA is generally positive. However, if vision loss has occurred, it is usually irreversible.
Most complications arise from the long-term use of steroids, rather than the condition itself.
How We Can Help
At Tees, our medical negligence solicitors are dedicated to supporting you through every step of your claim. We will listen to your story, assess your case, and provide clear, honest advice on your options. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you.
