A 60-year-old man presents with unilateral temporal headache, jaw claudication and visual blurring. ESR and CRP are markedly elevated. Temporal artery...

Question

A 60-year-old man presents with unilateral temporal headache, jaw claudication and visual blurring. ESR and CRP are markedly elevated. Temporal artery is tender. What is the MOST appropriate immediate management to prevent visual loss?

Accepted Answer

Start high-dose oral prednisolone immediately and arrange temporal artery biopsy

Answer

Await biopsy before starting treatment

Answer

Give NSAIDs only and review in 1 week

Answer

Start low-dose aspirin alone

Answer

Reassure and discharge without treatment

au-racgp MCQ (SBA): Giant cell arteritis

A 60-year-old man presents with unilateral temporal headache, jaw claudication and visual blurring. ESR and CRP are markedly elevated. Temporal artery is tender. What is the MOST appropriate immediate management to prevent visual loss?