It also involves other arteries in the head, neck, arms, and, occasionally, will affect other arteries in the body. Inflammation causes the artery to become narrow or blocked. Inflammation can cause problems because too little blood is getting through the blood vessels. Giant cell arteritis may be an especially difficult condition to diagnose in some people who never get head or neck symptoms. These people just have fever, fatigue, weight loss, or anemia.
Loss of vision can be temporary or permanent.
It may improve or cause blindness. If you have PMR and start having vision problems, call your doctor immediately. Also tell your doctor if you develop any of the other symptoms. It is important to diagnose and treat giant cell arteritis early to prevent blindness. Your doctor may need to remove a small piece of an artery above and in front of your ear to determine if you have giant cell arteritis.