What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Headache Attributed to GCA
• Headache due to GCA
• Headache due to Giant Cell Arteritis

What is Headache Attributed to Giant Cell Arteritis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Headache Attributed to Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to giant cell arteritis, which may be broadly described as inflammation involving the arteries of the brain. The association between GCA and headache is usually very conspicuous
• Giant cell arteritis is a systemic autoimmune disorder that results in inflammation of the blood vessels. GCA results in destruction that causes blood vessels and arteries to occlude. The condition mostly affects older women in their 60’s and 70’s
• Typically, in GCA, the inflammatory cells target the temporal artery and various cranial arteries, including the vertebral, cerebral, ophthalmic, and retinal arteries. 
• The nature of the headache is dependent on the severity and site of inflammation within the brain arteries; although mostly the cranial arteries are involved. In many, this “new” headache may be the only initial sign serving as an early warning that merits further investigation

The criteria for diagnosis of Headache Attributed to Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Giant cell arteritis (GCA) has been diagnosed
• Any new headache fulfilling the criterion below

Evidence of causation demonstrated by at least two of the following:

• Headache has developed in close temporal relation to other symptoms and/or clinical or biological signs of onset of GCA, or has led to the diagnosis of GCA
• Either or both of the following:
  • Headache has significantly worsened in parallel with worsening of GCA
  • Headache has significantly improved or resolved within 3 days of high-dose steroid treatment
• Headache is associated with scalp tenderness and/or jaw claudication

Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)