What Is Giant Cell Arteritis?
10. Managing Temporal Arteritis
GCA is a condition that easily recurs. Steroid therapy has proven very helpful in reducing inflammations, although these treatments tend to be prolonged. Corticosteroids work well in dampening inflammations, with blood vessels often returning to normal within a month. Sufferers will however need to keep taking the medication to control the inflammation. This can be for as long as 2 years.
If after some time the inflammation returns, the patient will likely be prescribed an even higher dose of steroids and other medication. Steroids do cause bone loss, which can be particularly devastating in seniors. Bone health medications are usually prescribed alongside steroids to help reduce the risk of fractures.
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