Vasculitis: Severe Headache Could Signal Blood Vessel Inflammation

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Severe Headache Could Signal Blood Vessel Inflammation

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/543937/?sc=dwtn

Severe and frequent headaches, especially in people who don't typically have

headaches, warrant a visit to the doctor.

The headaches could be a symptom of vasculitis -- blood vessel inflammation.

Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system

mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Depending on the type of vasculitis --

there are more than a dozen -- the disease can disrupt blood circulation

and, in some cases, cause death, according to the September issue of Mayo

Clinic Health Letter.

In addition to headache, symptoms might include fever, fatigue, weight loss,

muscle and joint pain, appetite loss, and numbness or weakness. Often, the

exact cause of vasculitis isn't known, although some forms can be linked to

infections such as hepatitis B and C, as well as certain medications.

Diagnosis usually involves blood tests and imaging studies of the blood

vessels. It also may include a biopsy of an affected blood vessel or tissue.

Treatment depends on the type of vasculitis, its severity and the patient's

overall health. The anti-inflammatory properties of corticosteroid

medications such as prednisone and methylprednisolone often improve symptoms

within days. Immune-suppressing and cytotoxic drugs are used when vasculitis

is severe and does not respond to corticosteroids.

Thanks to drug treatments, some types of vasculitis that were once

considered fatal can be managed or even go into remission. However, side

effects with the medications are a concern. Some medications can increase

the risk of serious infections and some cancers. A doctor who has training

in this area, often a rheumatologist, can carefully monitor the prescribed

medications, their benefits and side effects to best manage the illness.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable,

accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To

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