Possible headache cause #2: Giant cell arteritis
Headache Causes: Page 2
Why: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory disease of blood vessels that usually strikes older adults. The vessels most affected are in the scalp and head, which helps explain the presence of headaches.
What to notice: A new, persistent, throbbing headache in someone 60 to 65 is the typical first symptom. For many people, the pain is centered at the temples or near the eyes. It's usually accompanied by flu-like symptoms or weight loss. The person may also experience loss of energy, sweating, jaw pain and weakness, blurred vision, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Women are more often affected than men, according to the American College of Rheumatology. Seeing a doctor is important because when the condition goes untreated, the person with it is at increased risk for vision loss and small strokes.
