What Is Horton Disease? Causes, Symptoms

Horton disease, also known as giant cell arteritis, is a condition that affects the blood vessels, particularly the arteries in the head. This disease is caused by inflammation in the blood vessel walls, leading to various symptoms and potential complications. While the exact cause of Horton disease is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to the body's immune response. The immune system mistakenly attacks the blood vessels, causing inflammation and damage. This can result in restricted blood flow and potentially serious issues if left untreated. Understanding the underlying causes of Horton disease can help healthcare providers develop effective treatment plans to manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications.

What Are the Symptoms of Horton Disease

Horton disease, also known as giant cell arteritis, can cause various symptoms that primarily involve the blood vessels in the head, especially the temples. Patients may experience persistent headaches, tenderness or swelling over the temples, vision problems like double vision or sudden vision loss, jaw pain, fatigue, and even flu-like symptoms such as fever and weight loss. In some cases, untreated Horton disease can lead to serious complications like vision impairment or stroke. If you suspect you may have Horton disease, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Severe headache is a common symptom of Horton disease, often described as throbbing and located around the temples.
Vision problems such as blurred vision or double vision can occur in individuals with Horton disease.
Scalp tenderness, especially when combing or brushing hair, is a characteristic symptom of Horton disease.
Jaw pain or stiffness, particularly when chewing or talking, may be experienced by those with Horton disease.
Fatigue and malaise are frequently reported symptoms in individuals suffering from Horton disease.

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Causes of Horton Disease

The exact cause of this inflammatory condition is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Immune system dysfunction may play a significant role in the development of Horton disease, triggering an abnormal immune response that leads to blood vessel inflammation. Age and gender also seem to be contributing factors, as the condition is more common in individuals over 50, especially women. Additionally, certain infections or medications may potentially trigger or exacerbate the onset of Horton disease.

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of Horton disease, with certain individuals having a higher likelihood of being affected.
Environmental factors such as exposure to toxins or pollutants may trigger the onset of Horton disease in susceptible individuals.
Autoimmune reactions within the body can lead to inflammation of blood vessels, potentially causing Horton disease.
Chronic infections or illnesses can weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to developing Horton disease.
Age can be a contributing factor, as Horton disease typically occurs in individuals over 50 years old, although it can affect younger people as well.

Types Of Horton Disease

Horton's disease, also known as giant cell arteritis, primarily presents in two main types: cranial and extracranial. Cranial Horton's disease affects the blood vessels supplying the head, particularly the temporal arteries, leading to symptoms such as severe headaches, scalp tenderness, and jaw pain. In contrast, extracranial Horton's disease impacts larger arteries in the body, causing symptoms such as limb pain, muscle weakness, and vision changes. Both types share common characteristics of inflammation in the blood vessels, which can lead to serious complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Typical (classic) Horton disease, also known as giant cell arteritis, primarily affects medium to large arteries, particularly the temporal arteries.
Atypical (variant) Horton disease may involve other arteries in the body, such as the aorta or its branches.
Horton disease can lead to inflammation in the blood vessel walls, causing symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, vision changes, and fatigue.
In some cases, Horton disease can result in serious complications, such as vision loss or stroke, if not promptly treated.
Diagnosis of Horton disease typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies like ultrasound or biopsy.
Treatment for Horton disease often includes high-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prevent

Risk Factors

While the exact cause is unknown, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition. These factors include being of Northern European descent, especially Scandinavian or Scandinavian ancestry. Women are also more predisposed to Horton disease than men. Additionally, individuals with a history of polymyalgia rheumatica, an inflammatory disorder affecting the muscles, are at a higher risk. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors may also play a role in the development of Horton disease. Regular health screenings and monitoring are essential for early detection and management of this condition.

Age over 50 is a significant risk factor for Horton disease due to increased susceptibility to inflammation and vascular damage.
Being male has been linked to a higher incidence of Horton disease, possibly due to hormonal or genetic factors.
Genetic predisposition plays a role in the development of Horton disease, with certain gene variations increasing the likelihood of the condition.
Smoking is a well-established risk factor for Horton disease, as it can contribute to inflammation and damage to blood vessels.
Individuals with a history of other inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may have a higher risk of developing Horton disease.

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Diagnosis of Horton Disease

The healthcare provider will first review the patient's symptoms, focusing on headache, jaw claudication, vision changes, and scalp tenderness. Blood tests may show elevated markers of inflammation like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI can help visualize arterial inflammation. In some cases, a temporal artery biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. The healthcare team will consider all these factors together to accurately diagnose Horton disease and initiate appropriate treatment.

Horton disease, also known as giant cell arteritis, is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and blood tests.
Temporal artery biopsy is a common diagnostic procedure to confirm Horton disease by examining inflamed blood vessel samples.
Imaging tests like ultrasound or magnetic resonance angiography may be used to assess blood flow and inflammation in affected arteries.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) blood tests are helpful in detecting inflammation levels associated with Horton disease.
Symptoms such as headache, jaw pain, vision changes, and scalp tenderness are important clinical indicators for diagnosing Horton disease.

Treatment for Horton Disease

Treatment options for Horton disease, also known as giant cell arteritis, typically involve the use of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prevent complications such as vision loss. In some cases, other immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed to help manage the condition. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment are crucial in preventing serious complications. It's important for patients to follow their healthcare provider's recommendations closely and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor their response to treatment and adjust medication as needed. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, may also be recommended to support overall health and well-being while managing Horton disease.

Horton disease, also known as giant cell arteritis, typically requires treatment to manage symptoms and prevent complications. The primary course of action often involves corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels. These medications can help alleviate pain, improve blood flow, and prevent vision loss associated with the condition. In some cases, other immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed to help lower inflammation levels and reduce the dose of corticosteroids needed.
Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation can support overall treatment efforts and improve vascular health. Close monitoring by healthcare providers is essential to adjust treatment as needed and address any potential side effects or complications.

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