Neurologic manifestations of giant cell arteritis

G. Nesher

Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Service, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

ABSTRACT
Neurological manifestations are common in giant cell arteritis. Both the central and peripheral nervous system can be involved. The most dreaded manifestations are visual loss and stroke. Both frequently have premonitory symptoms, such as amaurosis fugax, blurry vision, diplopia, transient ischemic attacks, and jaw claudication. Although most of these manifestations occur prior to steroid therapy, they may also develop during the early phase of therapy, or during tapering of the dose of steroids. Earlier diagnosis, close monitoring and improving the treatment protocols may prevent mortality and improve morbidity in these cases.

Key words
Temporal arteritis, vision, neuropathy, dementia, hallucinations, hearing loss, headache.

Please address correspondence and reprint requests to: Gideon Nesher, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Service, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, P.O.Box 3235, Jerusalem 91031, Israel.
E-mail: nesher@inter.net.il

Clin Exp Rheumatol 2000: 18 (Suppl. 20): S24-S26.
© Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2000.