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”
“Masks infection and GCA activity signs: Tocilizumab can suppress fever and inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), which normally alert clinicians to infection or active inflammation.”
Medication · Tocilizumab (Actemra)
“ESR/CRP if GCA suspected (age >50 with headache)”
Condition · Microvascular Cranial Nerve Palsy
- 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.