Case:

• A 60-year-old female patient presents with a 3-day history of left-sided headache, pain when brushing her hair and chewing . The vision in her left eye is partially reduced and blurred.

• On examination, she has tenderness over her left temporal artery. Her weight is 60 kg. You suspect giant cell arteritis and arrange for her to have blood tests done the same afternoon.

• You suspect giant cell arteritis (GCA). Blood tests should be taken for an urgent ESR and if there is eye involvement the patient should be started on prednisolone. GCA can threaten sight therefore treatment must be started urgently without waiting for blood results. 

• Same day assessment by an ophthalmologist is necessary and discussion of clinical findings and management with the specialist is good practice.  

Giant cell arteritis (NHS Choices) / Giant cell arteritis (CKS)