Lifestyle

Headache, Jaw Pain When Chewing and Blurry Vision: Signs of Giant Cell Arteritis, Which Needs Fast Treatment

By Erica Coleman · October 23, 2026

A new headache after 50 is easy to blame on stress, poor sleep or a change in the weather. But when it comes with a sore scalp, an aching jaw at mealtimes or trouble seeing, doctors want to rule out giant cell arteritis, a condition that can cost you your eyesight if it is not treated.

Giant cell arteritis is inflammation of the lining of the arteries. Mayo Clinic says it most often affects the arteries in the head, mainly those in the temples, which is why it used to be called temporal arteritis. MedlinePlus says it is uncommon but primarily affects people over the age of 50. Mayo says most people get symptoms between 70 and 80, and women are about twice as likely as men to have it.

These are the signs to know.

A new headache. The American College of Rheumatology says the most common symptom is a new headache, usually around the temples, though it can occur anywhere. MedlinePlus describes a new throbbing headache on one side of the head or at the back of the head.

A tender scalp. Your scalp may feel sore to the touch. MedlinePlus lists tenderness when touching the scalp as one of the common symptoms, and a doctor may feel a tender, thick artery over one or both temples.

Jaw pain when chewing. Pain in the jaw that comes on while you eat is called jaw claudication. It is easy to mistake for a dental problem.

Vision problems. MedlinePlus lists blurred vision, double vision and sudden reduced vision in one or both eyes, and says these problems can begin suddenly. Mayo notes vision loss or double vision happens mainly in people who also have jaw pain.

Fever, fatigue and weight loss. Mayo and the ACR both list these, and the ACR adds loss of appetite and a flu-like feeling.

Aching shoulders and hips. Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders or hips are signs of polymyalgia rheumatica, a related condition. Mayo says about 40% to 50% of people with giant cell arteritis also have it. The ACR says anyone with polymyalgia rheumatica should report a new headache, vision changes or jaw pain to their doctor.

Blindness is the biggest worry. Mayo says reduced blood flow to the eyes can cause sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, and that the loss is most often lifelong. The ACR says permanent loss of vision can happen suddenly, but proper treatment can prevent it, and treatment should start immediately after diagnosis.

That treatment is usually a corticosteroid such as prednisone. MedlinePlus says it is often started even before a biopsy is done, and most people begin to feel better within a few days. The dose is lowered slowly, and treatment usually lasts 1 to 2 years. MedlinePlus says most people who are diagnosed also get tocilizumab, a biologic drug that lowers the amount of steroid needed. Because long-term steroids can thin bones, doctors may suggest calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise and a bone density test.

There is no single blood test for it. Doctors may check inflammation markers called ESR and CRP, and confirm the diagnosis with an ultrasound of the temporal arteries or a biopsy.

Mayo’s advice is direct: if you get a new, lasting headache or any of these symptoms, see your health care professional right away. Starting treatment quickly may help prevent vision loss.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about any symptoms. This article was produced with the assistance of AI and fact-checked against the sources cited by LightWave Reports.