These two diseases often occur together. Like PMR, the cause of GCA is unknown. Giant cell arteritis usually affects areas near the temples on the upper front sides of the head. 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.