An inflammation of the arteries in the temples is the hallmark of temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis. Temporal arteritis is explained in this article in terms of causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
In addition to genetic predisposition and environmental factors, temporal arteritis may also be caused by an abnormal immune response leading to inflammation of the blood vessels.
Temporal arteritis can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
The headache is often severe and localized to the temples
Especially over the temples, there may be tenderness or pain in the scalp
Pain or stiffness in the jaw, especially when chewing
Blurred vision, double vision, or sudden vision loss are all symptoms of vision problems
Unexplained fatigue, fever, or weight loss
Tenderness or sensitivity of the scalp
Shoulder and hip aches
Coughing or throat discomfort that persists
Swelling or pain in the face
Untreated symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly and worsen over time.
The diagnosis of temporal arteritis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
A healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and perform a physical examination to check for signs such as scalp tenderness and abnormal pulses at the temples.
An elevated level of inflammatory markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), may indicate inflammation associated with temporal arteritis.
A biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of inflammation and characteristic changes associated with temporal arteritis in a small tissue sample taken from the temporal artery.
Inflammation in the blood vessels can be visualized using ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
It is important to treat temporal arteritis to reduce inflammation, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications such as vision loss and stroke. Treatment options include:
To suppress inflammation and prevent further damage to the arteries, high-dose corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are typically prescribed.
Combining corticosteroids with immunosuppressive medications like methotrexate or tocilizumab may reduce the risk of relapse and achieve disease control.
The symptoms of temporal arteritis may be managed with pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Symptom monitoring and periodic blood tests are essential for assessing treatment response, monitoring side effects of medications, and detecting relapses.
Despite not being able to completely prevent temporal arteritis, individuals can reduce their risk of complications and manage the condition effectively by:
Early diagnosis and treatment of temporal arteritis are crucial for preventing complications such as vision loss or stroke.
The key to controlling inflammation and preventing flare-ups is adhering to prescribed medication regimens and attending regular medical appointments.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management, may reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions such as temporal arteritis.
