Question 1

What is Giant Cell Arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Giant Cell Arteritis is a form of vasculitis that causes inflammation of large and medium-sized arteries, particularly in the head and neck. It is caused by immune system dysfunction that triggers inflammatory cells to attack arterial walls, with elevated Interleukin-6 (IL-6) playing a central role in disease progression. The Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Serum test is the most important blood test for assessing disease activity and monitoring inflammation in Giant Cell Arteritis.

Question 2

What causes Giant Cell Arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Giant Cell Arteritis is caused by immune system dysfunction that triggers abnormal inflammatory responses targeting arterial walls. The immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of large and medium-sized arteries, particularly the temporal arteries in the head and neck. Elevated levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, drive the inflammatory cascade that damages blood vessel walls and causes the characteristic symptoms of headaches, vision problems, and jaw pain.

Question 3

What is the best test for Giant Cell Arteritis?

Accepted Answer

The Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Serum test is the most important blood test for Giant Cell Arteritis because it directly measures the key inflammatory marker driving disease activity. Elevated IL-6 levels indicate active inflammation in arterial walls and help healthcare providers assess disease severity and monitor treatment response. While temporal artery biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis, the IL-6 test provides crucial information about ongoing inflammation and is especially valuable for tracking how well anti-inflammatory treatments are working over time.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Giant Cell Arteritis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are over 50 years old and experience new persistent headaches, especially in the temple area, vision changes or sudden vision loss, jaw pain when chewing, scalp tenderness when brushing your hair, or unexplained fever and fatigue. Testing is particularly urgent if you notice any vision problems, as Giant Cell Arteritis can cause permanent blindness if left untreated. You should also consider testing if you have been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica, a related inflammatory condition that often occurs alongside Giant Cell Arteritis.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Giant Cell Arteritis symptoms include severe, persistent headaches typically affecting the temples, vision problems such as blurred vision or double vision, jaw pain or fatigue when chewing, and scalp tenderness that makes brushing your hair uncomfortable. You might also experience unexplained weight loss, fever, persistent fatigue, shoulder and hip pain, and tenderness over the temporal arteries. Some people notice that the temporal artery appears swollen or feels like a firm cord under the skin on the side of the head.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Giant Cell Arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Giant Cell Arteritis primarily affects adults over 50 years old, with the highest risk occurring after age 70. Women are two to three times more likely to develop the condition than men. People of Northern European or Scandinavian descent have higher rates of Giant Cell Arteritis compared to other ethnic groups. Your risk increases if you have polymyalgia rheumatica, a related inflammatory disorder affecting the shoulders and hips, or if you have a family history of vasculitis or autoimmune conditions.

Question 7

What happens if Giant Cell Arteritis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated Giant Cell Arteritis can cause permanent vision loss or complete blindness when inflammation damages the ophthalmic artery supplying blood to the eyes. The condition can lead to stroke if inflammation affects arteries supplying the brain, and it may cause aortic aneurysm when inflammation weakens the walls of the aorta. Chronic inflammation can damage multiple blood vessels throughout the body, leading to reduced blood flow to vital organs. Early treatment with corticosteroids is critical to prevent these serious complications and preserve vision and overall health.

Question 8

Can Giant Cell Arteritis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Giant Cell Arteritis cannot be definitively diagnosed with blood tests alone, but the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Serum test provides crucial evidence of the inflammatory process driving the disease. Blood tests showing elevated IL-6, along with increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), strongly support the diagnosis when combined with typical symptoms. Temporal artery biopsy remains the gold standard for confirming Giant Cell Arteritis, but blood testing is essential for assessing inflammation levels, supporting clinical diagnosis, and monitoring treatment effectiveness over time.

Question 9

How is Giant Cell Arteritis treated?

Accepted Answer

Giant Cell Arteritis is treated with high-dose corticosteroids, typically starting with prednisone 40-60 mg daily to quickly suppress inflammation and prevent complications. Treatment usually begins immediately upon suspicion of the disease, even before biopsy confirmation, because preventing vision loss is critical. Most patients require corticosteroid therapy for one to two years, with gradual dose reduction guided by symptom improvement and blood test results showing decreased inflammation. Some patients may benefit from additional medications like tocilizumab, a biologic drug that blocks IL-6, allowing for lower corticosteroid doses and fewer side effects.

Question 10

How can I prevent Giant Cell Arteritis?

Accepted Answer

Giant Cell Arteritis cannot be prevented because its exact cause remains unknown and involves complex immune system factors beyond individual control. However, you can reduce your risk of complications by seeking immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms, especially new headaches or vision changes after age 50. Maintaining regular check-ups with your healthcare provider helps ensure early detection if symptoms develop. If you have polymyalgia rheumatica, working closely with your doctor for monitoring and management may help identify Giant Cell Arteritis early if it develops.

Question 11

What can I do at home for Giant Cell Arteritis?

Accepted Answer

At home, take your prescribed corticosteroids exactly as directed and never stop them suddenly without your doctor's guidance, as this can cause serious complications. Eat a calcium-rich diet and take vitamin D supplements to protect bone health during long-term corticosteroid treatment. Monitor your symptoms carefully and report any new headaches, vision changes, or jaw pain to your healthcare provider immediately. Gentle exercise like walking helps maintain muscle strength and bone density while managing corticosteroid side effects. Keep a symptom diary to track how you feel and share this information with your doctor to help adjust treatment as needed.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Giant Cell Arteritis Blood Test

What is Giant Cell Arteritis?

What causes Giant Cell Arteritis?

What is the best test for Giant Cell Arteritis?

When should I get tested for Giant Cell Arteritis?

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