General measures
- In acute relapse: physical rest and bed rest.
- In the occurrence of fever:
- Bed rest and physical rest (even if fever is only slight; if aching limbs and lassitude occur without fever, bed rest and physical rest is also required).
- Fever below 38.5 °C does not necessarily need to be treated!(Exceptions: Children prone to febrile convulsions; old, weakened people; patients with a weakened immune system).
- In case of fever from 39 ° C calf compresses can help to lower the temperature, which often leads to an improvement in the condition.
- After the fever still a fever-free day of rest, if necessary longer (mainly bed rest and stay indoors).
- Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.
Notes on fitness to drive after giant cell arteritis
| Group 1 | Group 2 | |
| Giant cell arteritis, untreated | No | No |
| Grace period | N/A | N/A |
| Giant cell arteritis, treatedBSG and CRP normalized for 4 weeks. | Yes | Yes |
| Grace period | None | None |
Legend
- Group 1: passenger cars, trucks up to 3.5 t, passenger cars plus trucks up to 3.5 t.
- Group 2: buses, trucks > 3.5 t, buses + trucks > 3.5 t