Giant Cell Arteritis Patient's Sourcebook

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also called temporal arteritis, is a serious condition where the arteries are inflamed. Although it can affect any artery, it typically affects the arteries in the head, (the temporal artery), the eyes (the optic artery) and the aorta (the artery leading from the heart). If you are suffering from GCA or GCA with polymyalgia (PMR), this book will guide you through your condition and possible treatment options. If you are a caregiver, this book will give you the understanding you need to help your loved one through this difficult time. A caregiver can help a patient in so many positive ways, from accompanying the patient to the doctor (the information overload can be overwhelming) to helping your loved one stay positive through the disease's course, which is typically about one to three years.