Temporal arteritis/Giant cell arteritis treatment
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Temporal arteritis/Giant cell arteritis treatment
Recommended health tests for Temporal arteritis/Giant cell arteritis
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Temporal arteritis/Giant cell arteritis
Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis (GCA), is a condition that primarily affects the blood vessels in your head, particularly those in your temples. Causing inflammation of the blood vessel walls, this condition can lead to significant health complications if not addressed, including vision loss. Its prevalence is most notable in individuals over the age of 50, making it a condition of concern for the aging population.
Causes
The exact cause of temporal arteritis remains unknown. However, it's considered to be an autoimmune condition, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Some theories suggest that genetic and environmental factors, such as viruses, might play a role in triggering the disease.
Signs and symptoms
- Persistent headache, usually focused around the temples - Scalp tenderness, especially when combing hair - Jaw pain or claudication, especially when eating or talking - Fever and fatigue - Vision difficulties, including blurred vision, double vision, or sudden, permanent vision loss in one eye - Sudden, unexplained weight loss
Diagnosing Temporal arteritis/Giant cell arteritis
Diagnosing temporal arteritis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests (such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) tests, which can indicate inflammation in the body), and imaging tests. The gold standard for diagnosis, however, is a temporal artery biopsy, where a small section of the artery is removed and examined for inflammation and other signs of giant cell arteritis.
Prevention and natural treatment
Prevention of temporal arteritis focuses on maintaining a healthy immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking. Although there's no current way to prevent the condition definitively, early detection and treatment are crucial in mitigating its effects. Treatment for temporal arteritis typically involves high doses of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. However, when looking at natural and functional medicine approaches, the treatment and prevention strategies might include: - A diet rich in antioxidants to help combat inflammation, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. - Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flaxseeds, which have anti-inflammatory properties. - Regular physical activity to improve overall vascular health. - Stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi, to reduce potential triggers of autoimmune responses. - Herbal supplements, under the guidance of a healthcare professional. For example, ginger and turmeric have natural anti-inflammatory properties but should be used in consultation with a doctor to avoid interference with other treatments. Functional medicine aims to understand and treat the root causes of diseases, focusing on the patient's individual health history, genetics, and lifestyle factors. In the case of temporal arteritis, a functional medicine approach would not only involve managing symptoms and reducing immediate inflammation but also employing long-term strategies to support the immune system and prevent flare-ups.
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