Giant cell arteritis can cause blindness in just days

You should... about 1000 older Australians are affected with this serious disease each year and it can cause irreversible blindness within days.

Arthritis Australia is urging older Australians to look out for symptoms of this medical emergency and to speak to their doctor without delay.

Giant cell arteritis is an autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy blood vessels. This can interrupt blood flow and causes pain and inflammation in the temples.

Without timely diagnosis and treatment, giant cell arteritis can cause irreversible blindness within days of the onset of symptoms.

Arthritis Australia chief executive Andrew Mills said there was a real danger that many Australians will not have heard of giant cell arteritis and may just put up with the symptoms.

"Giant cell arteritis is considered a medical emergency because of the short window to save the person's eyesight, so it is essential that older Australians who experience possible symptoms of this condition don't hesitate to speak to their doctor.

"The good news is that doctors are increasingly well equipped to diagnose and treat this condition, as long as people affected come forward," Mr Mills said.

"Possible symptoms of the condition include new headaches (usually on one side of the head only), fatigue, a tender scalp or temples, sudden vision loss, dizziness, pain in the jaw, persistent sore throat or difficulty swallowing.

"People with polymyalgia rheumatica should be particularly alert to these symptoms as one in five people with this condition may also develop giant cell arteritis," Mr Mills said.

Until recently Australians have had to look overseas for information about the condition, leading to low public awareness, however Arthritis Australia has released new information about giant cell arteritis (GCA) on its website.

The information includes videos featuring a medical expert and a person living with GCA since 2014. Judy O'Neil from Sydney was 48 hours away from going blind in her left eye when her doctor identified inflammation that led to the diagnosis of GCA.

"It's very important that when you notice something irregular, you connect with a doctor immediately to find out the cause because it's such a diabolical disease," Judy said.

Giant cell arteritis is a condition which occurs when blood vessels or arteries become inflamed.The condition is usually diagnosed following a review of symptoms, a physical examination, blood tests, and a biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is removed from in front of the ear and then examined under a microscope.

Giant cell arteritis can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication, usually beginning with corticosteroids and progressing to disease-modifying therapy if the condition worsens.

The Australian Government recently included a new medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for eligible GCA patients. Medication should be matched with a healthy diet, appropriate exercise,and plenty of rest.

For more information about giant cell arteritis contact: The National Arthritis Info Line: 1800-011- 041 or visit the Arthritis Australia website.