ESR
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Plain-language definition
A blood test measuring how quickly red blood cells settle. Elevated ESR indicates inflammation, important for diagnosing giant cell arteritis.
Where this term comes up
“ESR and CRP are crucial for evaluating giant cell arteritis, a vision-threatening emergency”
“Tests may look reassuring: Fever and ESR/CRP can be suppressed despite infection or a disease flare.”
Medication · Tocilizumab (Actemra)
“ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate): usually markedly elevated (often >50-100)”
Condition · Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)
- Category
- Test or diagnostic term
- Also written as
- No alternate forms listed.
Diagnostic terms describe tests, measurements, imaging, or exam techniques used to understand eye and neuro-ophthalmic problems.
Related glossary terms
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.