Temporal Arteritis

Temporal Arteritis is a swelling or inflammation that involves the temporal artery. This condition may sometimes involve other arteries of the body as well. 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.
Blindness is the most common complication. Other complications include:
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Pain in the extremities with exertion
  • Damage to internal organs

Causes

The cause of Temporal Arteritis is not known. It may result from an immune response in the body.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Age: 50 or older
  • Race: White, especially of Scandinavian or northern European descent
  • Living in northern latitudes (as opposed to living in southern latitudes)
  • Sex: Female
  • Family member with temporal arteritis
  • Having polymyalgia rheumatica, a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in muscles of the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and thighs

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
  • Headaches that are usually localized and one-sided
  • Stiffness and muscle pain
  • Fever
  • Pain when chewing
  • Tenderness over the temporal artery
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Vision loss
  • Sweats
  • Scalp pain or tenderness
  • Aches in the joints or muscles

Diagnosis

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
Tests may include:
  • Blood tests, including a sedimentation rate
  • Biopsy – removal of a sample of the temporal artery for testing
  • Ultrasound – a test that uses sound waves to examine the temporal artery

Treatment

Treatment may include:
Cortisone Therapy
Cortisone therapy can be used to decrease the swelling and inflammation. This treatment may help decrease the chances of blindness. High doses of prednisone are often prescribed initially and then tapered off. Therapy is often continued for several years.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation
You may be advised to take supplements of calcium and vitamin D to counteract the effects of long-term cortisone use on bone. Cortisone may cause osteoporosis.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent temporal arteritis.