The temporal arteries are situated just below the skin of the temples and the biopsy procedure is almost risk free. It is these cells that are the basis for the disease's name. 4 Treatment Anyone who is suspected of having Giant Cell Arteritis should not wait for a blood test or a biopsy. They should be started on a steroid such as prednisone right away. Steroid treatments usually last for at least three weeks before being tapered off.
Steroids can cause many side effects, especially in high doses.
Because prednisone and other steroids affect the body's natural hormone production, the dosage must be gradually tapered off and you should not stop taking the medication unless told to do so by your doctor. Conclusion Giant Cell Arteritis is a very serious condition affecting seniors that can usually be diagnosed and tr eated successfully with the steroid prednisone. Because many of its symptoms are so similar to those of the flu and other relatively mild illnesses, however, it is fairly easy to miss. If the subtle warning signs of Giant Cell Arteritis are missed, blindness may result. February 2001 Email this article to a friend References 1.