Consultant neurologist spots previously undetected signs in 75-year-old who was mistakenly
diagnosed with migraines
Patient had temporal arteritis, which is inflammation of the medium-sized vessels of the
temporal artery and requires prompt medical attention
Headache Clinic at Mubadala Health Dubai provides specialized treatment for headaches,
enabling sufferers to regain control of their lives
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, August 29, 2024: Mubadala Health Dubai, part of the M42 group,
provides specialized treatment for headaches, enabling sufferers to regain control of their lives. Utilizing
the latest research, innovative treatments and a holistic approach, Mubadala Health Dubai’s newly
launched Headache Clinic aims to improve the quality of life for patients with headaches and chronic
migraines. Recently, it helped treat a 75-year-old patient who risked possible blindness due to a
misdiagnosed condition.
The patient had been experiencing uncontrollable headaches for the past few months and had
previously been misdiagnosed with migraines. Due to the persistence of these headaches, the patient
was referred to Mubadala Health Dubai, where a correct diagnosis of temporal arteritis was made by Dr.
Mohammad Aghil Ghatali, Consultant Neurologist. Temporal arteritis is an inflammation of the
medium-sized vessels of the temporal artery. This condition commonly causes severe, localized
headaches typically felt in the temples. Other symptoms may include scalp tenderness, jaw pain while
chewing and visual disturbances. Notably, temporal arteritis can lead to visual loss, which poses a
significant risk of blindness if left untreated.
Inflammation of the temporal arteries can affect the arteries that supply blood to the eyes, leading to
reduced blood flow and potentially causing sudden vision loss. This condition, known as anterior
ischemic optic neuropathy, can result in permanent blindness if not treated quickly. It’s crucial to start
treatment with corticosteroids as soon as possible to reduce inflammation and prevent serious
complications like blindness.
Dr. Ghatali said: “I saw the patient in the clinic’s corridor rocking and pacing due to his pain. Immediate
treatment with high-dose prednisone not only relieved the patient’s headache but also prevented
potential blindness. This success story highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely
intervention.”
The patient commented: “It was due to Dr. Ghatali’s extensive experience that my condition was
identified and treated. I am finally free of my debilitating symptoms, and I was shocked to learn that I
could have gone blind if my condition hadn’t been caught in time.”
Giant cell arteritis is a type of vasculitis, which means inflammation of the blood vessels. It is an
autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. In this case,
the immune system attacks the blood vessels in the head. Both rheumatologists, who specialize in
autoimmune diseases, and neurologists, who focus on the nervous system, work together to manage
conditions like giant cell arteritis and other similar diseases.
As part of the clinic’s multidisciplinary approach, the patient was then referred to Dr. Nathalie
Chalhoub, Consultant Rheumatologist at Mubadala Health Dubai. Giant cell arteritis, also known as
temporal arteritis, is a type of vasculitis, characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels. It is an
autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, specifically
targeting the blood vessels in the head. Both rheumatologists, who specialize in autoimmune diseases,
and neurologists, who focus on the nervous system, collaborate to manage conditions such as giant cell
arteritis and other similar diseases.
The clinic treats a variety of headaches from migraines to cluster, tension and sinus headaches. Its team
of experts conducts thorough evaluations, including medical history reviews and physical examinations,
to accurately diagnose the type and the cause of headaches and provide continuous support throughout
the treatment journey.
