From the Research
Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, can cause vertigo as a symptom, and if you're experiencing vertigo and suspect temporal arteritis, seek immediate medical attention as this condition requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications like vision loss. The standard treatment is high-dose corticosteroids, typically prednisone starting at 40-60mg daily, which should be initiated as soon as temporal arteritis is suspected, even before confirmation by biopsy 1. This dosage is usually maintained for 2-4 weeks before gradually tapering over months to years. During treatment, you'll need regular monitoring for steroid side effects and may require calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent bone loss. Temporal arteritis causes inflammation of medium and large arteries, particularly those in the head and neck, which can affect blood flow to the inner ear, resulting in vertigo. Other symptoms typically include severe headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, and vision changes. This condition most commonly affects people over 50, particularly women. Some studies suggest that giant cell arteritis may be associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) 2. Recent advances in treatment have led to the use of biological agents, such as tocilizumab, as effective and safe corticosteroid-sparing agents in treating GCA 3. Don't delay seeking care if you have these symptoms, as prompt treatment significantly improves outcomes. Key points to consider in the treatment of temporal arteritis include:
- Prompt initiation of high-dose corticosteroids
- Regular monitoring for steroid side effects
- Potential use of biological agents as corticosteroid-sparing agents
- Association with BPPV and other vestibular symptoms.