Giant Cell Arteritis Masquerading As Migraine: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT

Giant cell arteritis, or temporal arteritis, is a chronic granulomatous vasculitis that affects large- and medium-sized arteries. An elderly male of 61 years presenting with chronic headaches for the past one year had been misdiagnosed as having migraine because of the similarity in symptoms. General examination revealed the presence of bilateral large, tortuous temporal arteries without any scalp tenderness, diminished arterial pulsations, or skin changes over the dilated arteries. A temporal artery biopsy revealed giant cell arteritis and was treated with steroids. This case report highlights the importance of considering secondary headaches, especially giant cell arteritis, in the differential diagnosis of new-onset headaches or worsening headaches in the elderly.