Temporal arteritis is a swelling or inflammation that involves the temporal artery. The temporal artery runs over the temple, along the area to the outside of the eye. In extreme or untreated cases, temporal arteritis can lead to blindness.
Another condition, giant cell arteritis (GCA) is used to describe inflammation that can occur in the arteries of the head, neck, upper body, and arms. When GCA involves mainly the temporal artery, it can be referred to as temporal arteritis. Vasculitis is the more general term for swelling or inflammation of blood vessels anywhere in the body.
The cause of temporal arteritis is not known. It may result from an immune response in the body.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Your risk of temporal arteritis increases if:
- Your age is 50 or older
- Your race is white, especially of Scandinavian or northern European descent
- You live in northern latitudes
- Your sex is female
- You have a family member with temporal arteritis
-
You have
polymyalgia rheumatica, a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in muscles of the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and thighs
Symptoms may include:
- Headaches that are usually localized and one-sided
-
Fever or
flu-like symptoms
- Pain when chewing
- Pain in the jaw or tongue
- Scalp pain or tenderness over the temporal artery
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Vision loss
- Sweats
- Aches in the joints or muscles
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Diagnosis is based on the occurrence of certain factors, including:
- Age: 50 or older
- New localized headache
- Temporal artery tenderness or decreased temporal artery pulse
- Sedimentation rate of 50 mm/hour or greater
- Abnormal temporal artery biopsy
- Anemia
Tests may include:
- Blood tests, including a sedimentation rate, hemoglobin, or hematocrit
- Biopsy—removal of a sample of the temporal artery for testing
- Retinal exam
Treatment may include:
Corticosteroid therapy is used to decrease the swelling, inflammation, and risk of blindness. High doses of prednisone are often prescribed initially and then tapered off. Therapy is often continued for several years. Methotrexate may be used as a steroid sparing agent.
You may be advised to take supplements of
calcium
and
vitamin D
to counteract the effects of long-term corticosteroid use on bone. Prolonged use of corticosteroids has potential side effects that include may include
osteoporosis,
diabetes,
cataracts, and stomach irritation.
There is no known way to prevent temporal arteritis.
Last reviewed November 2006 by Jill Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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