What is Arteritis?

Arteritis is a general term for inflammation in the walls of your arteries, which are the tubes that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the rest of your body. When an artery becomes inflamed, it can get narrow or even blocked. This makes it very hard for blood to reach your organs and tissues.

In the neurology department, we focus specifically on how this inflammation affects the blood vessels in the head, neck, and brain. If the brain doesn't get enough blood due to this inflammation, it can lead to serious issues like vision loss or a stroke. The good news is that with early diagnosis and the right medicine, doctors can reduce the swelling and protect your health.

How common is arteritis?

The frequency of arteritis depends on the specific type. For example, Giant Cell Arteritis (the most common type) usually affects about 200 out of every 1 million people over the age of 50. Other types, like Takayasu’s arteritis or Primary CNS Vasculitis (which only affects the brain), are much rarer. While it isn't a daily occurrence, neurologists are specially trained to look for it when patients have unusual headaches or neurological symptoms.

What are the symptoms of arteritis?

The symptoms of arteritis often depend on which arteries are inflamed. Because it is an inflammatory condition, you might feel like you have the flu at first. Common warning signs include:

• New, strange headaches: Especially on the sides of your head (temples).
• Tender scalp: It might hurt just to brush your hair or wear a hat.
• Jaw pain: Your jaw might ache or feel tired when you chew or talk.
• Vision changes: Blurred vision, seeing double, or a "dark curtain" falling over your eyes.
• General fatigue: Feeling very tired, a low fever, or losing weight without trying.

If the inflammation is inside the brain, you might experience neurological symptoms such as confusion, weakness in an arm or leg, or difficulty speaking.

What causes arteritis?

Arteritis is an autoimmune condition. This means your body’s immune system, which is supposed to fight off germs, accidentally starts attacking the healthy lining of your own blood vessels.

While experts aren't 100% sure why this happens, several factors can play a role:

• Age: Most types, like Giant Cell Arteritis, almost exclusively affect people over 50.
• Genetics: Your family history might make you more likely to develop an overactive immune response.
• Environment: Sometimes a past infection can trigger the immune system to start attacking the arteries.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop certain types of arteritis than men.

What are the complications of arteritis?

The complication of arteritis can lead to:

• Vision Loss: If the blood flow to the eye is cut off, it can cause permanent blindness.
• Stroke: If the arteries in the brain become too narrow or blocked.
• Aneurysm: The inflammation can weaken the artery wall, causing it to bulge out like a balloon, which could potentially burst.
• Organ Damage: If blood can't reach the kidneys, heart, or lungs.

How do doctors diagnose arteritis?

Your neurologist will perform a physical exam and check your pulses. Because arteritis can mimic other problems, they will use several tests to be sure:

• Blood Tests: To look for high levels of "C-reactive protein" (CRP) or "Sed Rate" (ESR), which are markers of inflammation in the body.
• Biopsy: For Giant Cell Arteritis, a doctor might take a tiny piece of the temporal artery (near your forehead) to look for inflammation under a microscope.
• Imaging: Tests like an MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram) or a CT scan allow doctors to see the blood flow inside your head and neck.
• Ultrasound: To check for swelling in the artery walls.

How is arteritis treated?

The goal of treatment is to "cool down" the inflammation quickly to prevent damage.

• Steroids: Most people start on a high dose of a medicine called Prednisone. This usually makes symptoms feel better within just a few days.
• Immune-suppressing drugs: If you need to stay on medicine for a long time, doctors may use other drugs that help calm the immune system so you can take fewer steroids.
• Aspirin: To help prevent blood clots from forming in the narrowed arteries.

Treatment often lasts for one to two years to ensure the inflammation doesn't come back immediately.

What can I expect if I have arteritis?

Most people see a huge improvement very quickly once they start steroids. However, arteritis is a "marathon, not a sprint." You will need to work closely with your neurologist for months or years. You will have regular blood tests to make sure the inflammation is staying away. While the medicine works well, we have to watch for side effects like bone thinning or high blood sugar, so your doctor may suggest extra vitamins or calcium.

Can arteritis be prevented?

Since arteritis is caused by the immune system attacking itself, there isn't a specific way to prevent it through diet or lifestyle alone. The best "prevention" is early detection. If you are over 50 and develop a new, strange headache or sudden vision changes, seeing a doctor immediately can prevent permanent damage.

How do I take care of myself?

• Don't skip doses: Taking your steroids exactly as prescribed is vital. Stopping them suddenly can cause the inflammation to flare back up.
• Eat well: A healthy diet helps your body handle the side effects of the medication.
• Exercise: Gentle walking helps keep your bones and muscles strong.
• Rest: Listen to your body when you feel fatigued.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Arteritis Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Arteritis treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced rheumatologists and vascular specialists who provide accurate diagnosis and both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options including immunosuppressive therapy, corticosteroid management, and vascular intervention procedures. Our Rheumatology and Vascular Care team has decades of experience in successfully treating Arteritis in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Arteritis Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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