Temporal Arteritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Harsha Moole, MD. Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Temporal Arteritis?
A rheumatologist, a doctor who treats arthritis and other diseases of the immune system, usually treats temporal arteritis. An ophthalmologist, an eye doctor, steps in when vision is affected. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is temporal arteritis?
Temporal arteritis, also called giant cell arteritis, is inflammation and damage to the blood vessels that supply blood to the head, neck, upper body and arms. It most often affects the arteries around the temples, the sides of your head. It is an uncommon condition. Some people with it also develop polymyalgia rheumatica, which causes pain and stiffness in the muscles around the shoulders, neck and hips.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually develop over weeks or months, but they can start more suddenly.
- A new throbbing headache on one side or the back of the head.
- Tenderness when you touch your scalp.
- Jaw pain when chewing.
- Pain in the arm after using it.
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, upper arms, shoulders, and hips.
- Flu-like symptoms, such as low-grade fever, weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Vision problems can also happen, and they may begin suddenly. Examples are blurred vision, double vision, and sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. At first, vision problems may last only a few minutes and then go away on their own.
Causes and who gets it
The cause is unknown. It is believed to be due in part to a faulty immune response, a mistake by the body's defense system. It has been linked to some infections and to certain genes. It may run in families. It occurs almost only in people older than age 50, most often in their late 60s and 70s. Women get it more often than men. It is most common in people of northern European descent. It is also more common in people who have polymyalgia rheumatica.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider will examine your head. There may be a tender, thick artery on one side of the head, most often over one or both temples. Blood tests may include the sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Blood tests alone cannot give a diagnosis. You may need a biopsy of the temporal artery, which is a surgical procedure that can be done as an outpatient. In a biopsy, a small piece of the artery is removed and checked for signs of the disease. A color Doppler ultrasound of the temporal arteries may take the place of a biopsy if it is done by someone experienced. You may also have an MRI or CT angiography. A PET scan may be done too.
Treatment
Prompt treatment can help prevent serious problems such as blindness or stroke. Treatment is with steroid medicines called corticosteroids, such as prednisone, taken by mouth. These medicines are often started even before a biopsy is done. You may also be told to take aspirin. Most people begin to feel better within a few days after starting treatment. The steroid dose is cut back very slowly, but you will need to take medicine for 1 to 2 years. Once the diagnosis is made, most people also get a biologic medicine called tocilizumab. It reduces the amount of steroids needed to control the disease. Long-term steroid treatment can make bones thinner and raise the chance of a fracture. To protect your bones, avoid smoking and too much alcohol. Walking or other weight-bearing exercise also helps. Your provider may also advise extra calcium and vitamin D. Do not suddenly stop taking steroids unless your doctor tells you to. Most people make a full recovery, but treatment may be needed for 1 to 2 years or longer. The condition may return at a later date. Damage to other blood vessels, such as aneurysms (ballooning of the blood vessels), may occur and can lead to a stroke in the future.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have a throbbing headache that does not go away or other symptoms of temporal arteritis. See a health care provider right away if you have any vision problems, because untreated vision problems can lead to permanent vision loss within hours or days. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if your vision changes suddenly, or if you have sudden weakness, cannot speak, or faint.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can review your symptoms, order first blood tests, and refer you to a rheumatologist, and can help with follow-up during long-term treatment.
Common questions
Is temporal arteritis the same as giant cell arteritis?
Yes, they are two names for the same condition. It most often affects the arteries around the temples.
Can temporal arteritis cause blindness?
Yes, it can cause blindness if it is not treated quickly. Vision problems left untreated can lead to permanent vision loss within hours or days.
How long does treatment for temporal arteritis last?
Treatment often lasts 1 to 2 years or longer. The steroid dose is cut back very slowly over that time.
Can temporal arteritis come back?
Yes, it can come back. Symptoms often return after treatment is lowered or stopped.
Can temporal arteritis be prevented?
No, there is no known way to prevent it. Getting prompt treatment can help prevent blindness or stroke.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Giant cell arteritis
- NHS - Temporal arteritis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
