Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) Treatment in Manhasset, NY

Serving Nassau County, Long Island & Queens

What Is Giant Cell Arteritis?

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is an inflammatory condition that affects the lining of large and medium-sized arteries, most commonly in the head and neck.

It typically affects adults over age 50 and requires urgent medical evaluation because it can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.

Giant cell arteritis is a form of vasculitis that primarily affects large arteries.

Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis

Symptoms may include:

• New-onset headache (often severe)
• Scalp tenderness
• Jaw pain while chewing (jaw claudication)
• Vision changes or double vision
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained fatigue
• Fever
• Shoulder and hip stiffness (often associated with polymyalgia rheumatica)

If you experience sudden vision changes, seek immediate medical attention.

Why Prompt Evaluation Matters

GCA is considered a medical urgency. Without timely treatment, inflammation can reduce blood flow to the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss.

If GCA is suspected, treatment is often started immediately while diagnostic testing is arranged.

How Is GCA Diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include:

• Detailed medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests to measure inflammation
• Temporal artery biopsy in selected cases
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound or other vascular imaging

Accurate diagnosis and close monitoring are essential.

Treatment for Giant Cell Arteritis

Treatment typically includes:

• High-dose corticosteroids initially
• Gradual steroid taper under supervision
• Steroid-sparing medications when appropriate
• Targeted biologic therapy in selected cases

Our goal is to control inflammation quickly, protect vision, and minimize long-term medication side effects.

When Should You See a Rheumatologist?

You should seek urgent evaluation if you:

• Develop a new severe headache after age 50
• Experience jaw pain with chewing
• Notice vision changes
• Have elevated inflammatory markers with concerning symptoms

Prompt treatment significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Specialized Rheumatology Care

At Manhasset Rheumatology, we evaluate and manage patients with giant cell arteritis throughout Nassau County, Long Island, and Queens.

As a small, two-physician private practice, patients receive direct, one-on-one care with their board-certified rheumatologist.

Both physicians are consultants at St. Francis Hospital and participate in clinical research and trials, ensuring access to advanced treatment strategies and coordinated care when hospitalization is required.

Schedule an Evaluation

If you have been diagnosed with giant cell arteritis or are experiencing concerning symptoms, please contact our office promptly.

📞 516-365-1700
📧 manhassetrheum@gmail.com

We proudly serve patients in Manhasset, Nassau County, Long Island, and Queens.