Giant Cell Arteritis
Giant cell arteritis is a condition that can cause vision loss, new persistent headaches, scalp tenderness, and jaw pain with chewing. It is due to inflammation of blood vessels primarily of the head and neck.
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Medications that are known to precipitate Pseudotumor CEREBRI (PTC) and should be AVOIDED:
1. Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline (usually prescribed for treatment of Acne and Rosacea)
2. Vitamin A and related compounds:
a. Excess Vitamin A intake (pills, liver, isotretinoin)
b. Retinoic acid (ATRA used in Acne crèmes, treatment of acute leukemia)
3. Growth Hormone (rHGH, synthetic)
4. Anabolic steroids & withdrawal from chronic use of corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisone, dexamethasone)
5. Other medications include:
Amiodarone, Diphenylhydantoin, Lithium carbonate, Nalidixic acid, sulfa antibiotics, Oral contraceptives
Medical conditions associated with PTC:
Recent weight gain, obesity (not necessarily in kids),
Sleep apnea
Anemia
Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency)
Lupus (cause of PTC: ? kidney disease or clotting problems)
