Giant Cell Arteritis: Therapy

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