Common Warning Signs Of Vasculitis

Headache

Some forms of vasculitis can manifest in affected individuals as headaches. These headaches are a result of the effects the disease has on the central nervous system and respiratory function. Headaches are seen most frequently in systemic necrotizing arteritis, systemic collagen diseases, primary central nervous system vasculitis, and granulomatous vasculitis. Headaches occur when inflammation occurs in the blood vessel walls of the vessels responsible for nourishing the peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brain. Vasculitis can also cause headaches through a more indirect mechanism by the effects it has on the blood vessels in other organs.

Inflammation of blood vessels around the nasal cavity and sinuses can cause the sinuses to become clogged and result in severe pain. This pain often radiates to the front of the head, manifesting in the form of what is commonly known as a sinus headache. Allergic rhinitis can cause the nose and sinuses to become inflamed and swollen, resulting in a headache caused by nasal congestion. In addition, vasculitis patients often have high blood pressure, which is closely associated with headaches because the blood vessels do not have the ability to dilate properly to improve blood flow.

Eye Inflammation

An individual who experiences eye inflammation may be affected by vasculitis. All blood vessels in the body have the potential to be affected by vasculitis. Conjunctivitis occurs when the thin transparent tissue layer lining the interior surface of the eyelid and overlays the white region of the eye or conjunctiva becomes inflamed. Conjunctivitis can be caused by vasculitis associated eosinophilic diffusion to the area, development of granulomas, and conjunctiva vessel microangiopathy inflammation. Vasculitis can affect the small blood vessels that supply the sclera (white part of the eye), resulting in scleritis.

Retinal vasculitis or inflammation of the blood vessels that branch from the retinal artery can also be the result of an individual's vasculitis. Peripheral ulcerative keratitis is a severe type of inflammation that occurs in the cornea that can be the result of inflammation of the blood vessels supplying the tear-producing mechanisms. Vasculitis can cause severe swelling and inflammation in the orbit region that results in bulging of the eye. Vasculitis is also known to cause inflammation in the vessels of the eyelid, resulting in lid edema.