Anyone ever hear of this before? Tuesday night I found myself going to the ER with unexplained pain and burning sensation on both sides of my head near my incision sights from my 2 STA-MCA by passes.  Of course no one at my local ER knew anything about Moyamoya or even heard of these types of surgeries.  I was diagnosed with this (GCA) which strikes adults 55+ and was told left untreated could lead to blindness.  I was immediately put on an IV steroid and given a SED blood test.  My SED test came back negative but was given a script for predisone and told to see my PCP.  I saw him today and was given a second SED test and it came back negative.  I found out this GCA is unexplained and attacks blood vessels and causes them to inflame and cut off blood flow.  Sounds a little like something else ?  I am nervous because this sudden onset to blood vessels that now supply my brain has me concerned. I was appreciate any feedback or knowledge on this subject.  By the way the pain has subsided after the steroid tratment.

My dad had giant cell arteritis.  He had problems with pain in his neck and head for years before he woke up one morning with no sight in one eye.  The doctors who were baffled before, now knew exactly what he had!  He too was put on a pretty high dose of steroids to decrease the inflammation.  From what I understand, giant cell arteritis causes decreased blood flow due to inflammation, which is due to an autoimmune reaction.  The steroids will get the inflammation under control for you and should save your sight, also keep your blood flowing good.  My dad ended up needing to keep up a pretty high level of prednisone to keep his inflammation under control.  I am glad you were diagnosed before you lost any vision!

Can you contact the neurosurgeon who did your surgeries?  He may be able to put your mind at ease concerning your latest development.