The difference between Temporal Arteritis (TA) and Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA).
Posted , 11 users are following.
I find it extraordinary that even professionals do not seem to understand the difference between Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Temporal Arteritis (TA) and confuse the two.
When Arteritis exclusively affects the temporal artery, it is described as Temporal Arteritis. This can cause blindness, deafness, stroke and increased risk of dementia.
However, what is described as GIant Cell Arteritis can affect any artery in the body causing inflammation, narrowing, etc., and can cause vital organs to be starved of blood and can lead to long term and serious disability or death.
Because the giant cells are often not found, despite the dangers of looking, the disease should really be described simply as 'ARTERITIS', that is inflammation of the arteries.
This would avoid some of the confusion that exists around this illness which is the most common form of vasculitis, ie inflammation of the blood vessels.
4 likes, 11 replies
carol16456 misdiagnose
Posted
ptolemy carol16456
Posted
misdiagnose carol16456
Posted
penelope10875 misdiagnose
Posted
carol16456 penelope10875
Posted
EileenH penelope10875
Posted
penelope10875 misdiagnose
Posted
maureen63465 misdiagnose
Posted
Maureen Smith
EileenH maureen63465
Posted
I really feel that GPs who are so dismissive of a colleague's opinion are, at the very least, rude. He can see inside the arteries can he?
misdiagnose maureen63465
Posted
If you have GCA, you should be very quickly referred to a hospital consultant which GPs are reluctant to do.
You have every right to request a second opinion and suggest a hospital where you can see a Vasculitis Specialist.
What steroid dose were you given and has it relieved the pain in your temple area? You need to be aware of seeing flashing lights or have discomfort in your eyes. If so, visit A & E as GCA is a medical emergency.
You could change your GP or call out the emergency doctor again.
Do consider speaking to your MP about the dangers of GCA and that dismissive treatment by your GP could result in serious infirmity.
I would also suggest you contact
Heathwatch: http://www.healthwatch.co.uk/
Hope the prednisolone has relieved the inflammation in your temporal arteries and that no lasting damage was done.
misdiagnose maureen63465
Posted