Temporal Arteritis

What is temporal arteritis?

Temporal arteritis is a disease in which the arteries become swollen, narrowed, and sometimes completely blocked. The disease gets its name because it often affects arteries in the head, especially those in the temples. It can affect any artery in the body. This disease is also called giant cell arteritis.

How does it occur?

The cause of temporal arteritis is unknown. It most often occurs in people who are between 60 and 80 years old. Women are affected more often than men. The disease is more common among people whose ancestors came from Germany, Great Britain, or other northern European countries.

What are the symptoms?

You may feel generally ill and lose your appetite. Other symptoms may include:

• swelling of the arteries on the side of your forehead
• severe headache
• tenderness of the scalp, usually over the temples
• pain in the jaw when chewing, swallowing, or talking
• trouble hearing
• fever
• muscle aches and stiffness, especially in the morning
• fatigue
• weight loss
• vision problems, including blurred vision, double vision, and blindness.

About half of the people who have temporal arteritis also have polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). PMR is a disorder that causes severe stiffness and pain in the muscles of your neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips. About 10% to 15% of those with PMR also have temporal arteritis.

How is it diagnosed?

Your provider will probably do a biopsy (take a small piece of tissue from your artery). This shows whether the artery is inflamed and has unusually large cells along its walls. You may also have a blood test called ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). The ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube. This test also shows inflammation in the artery.

How is it treated?

Steroids, such as prednisone, can relieve symptoms of temporal arteritis quickly and often completely. Steroids do not cure the disease. Many of the symptoms improve within 24 hours of taking the first dose. Generally, however, you must continue taking this medicine for about 2 years before the condition goes away. Some people must take medicine for many years.

How long do the effects last?

With treatment, the disease typically lasts about 2 years. If symptoms come back, you may need additional treatment. To prevent blindness, treatment must be started as soon as possible.

How can I help myself?

• Follow your healthcare provider's treatment plan.
• Contact your healthcare provider right away if symptoms come back, get worse, or if you develop new symptoms, especially if your vision changes.
• Discuss possible side effects of your medicine with your healthcare provider. Keep him or her informed about any side effects you have.