What is Temporal Arteritis?
Temporal Arteritis, also known as Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), is an inflammatory condition that affects the large and medium-sized arteries, particularly those in the head and temples. It most commonly occurs in people over the age of 50 and can lead to serious complications, including vision loss, if left untreated.
The inflammation causes the walls of the arteries to swell, reducing blood flow to parts of the body, especially the eyes and scalp.
What Are the Symptoms of Temporal Arteritis?
Symptoms may come on gradually or suddenly and can vary depending on which arteries are involved.
Common Symptoms:
- Persistent headache, especially in the temples
- Scalp tenderness (pain when brushing hair)
- Jaw pain while chewing (jaw claudication)
- Fatigue or general flu-like symptoms
- Vision problems such as double vision or sudden blindness
- Fever or weight loss
- Pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, or hips (often related to polymyalgia rheumatica)
What Causes Temporal Arteritis?
The exact cause is unknown, but it is considered an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy blood vessels.
Risk Factors:
- Age (most cases occur in people over 50)
- Female sex (women are more commonly affected)
- Northern European descent
- History of polymyalgia rheumatica
- Genetic predisposition
How is Temporal Arteritis Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications like permanent vision loss.
Diagnostic Methods:
- Physical examination and symptom review
- Blood tests such as ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP (C-reactive protein) to detect inflammation
- Temporal artery biopsy (a small sample is taken and examined for inflammation)
- Ultrasound or MRI of the temporal arteries to check for swelling or narrowing
How is Temporal Arteritis Treated?
Immediate treatment is essential, especially to preserve vision. Treatment typically involves corticosteroids.
Common Treatments:
- High-dose corticosteroids (like prednisone) started right away—even before biopsy results—to reduce inflammation
- Gradual tapering of steroids over months under medical supervision
- Aspirin in some cases to reduce the risk of stroke
- Immunosuppressant drugs if corticosteroids are not effective or cause side effects
- Regular monitoring of symptoms and blood tests to adjust treatment
Prognosis and Outlook
With early diagnosis and treatment, most people recover well. However, long-term treatment may be needed to prevent relapses. Vision loss can be permanent if treatment is delayed.
Living with Temporal Arteritis
Managing this condition involves consistent medical follow-up and healthy lifestyle habits:
- Take medications as prescribed and report side effects
- Monitor vision and report any changes immediately
- Manage bone health during long-term steroid use
- Eat a balanced diet and stay active
- Avoid smoking and control other health conditions like high blood pressure