Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis or cranial arteritis, is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the medium and large arteries in the head and neck regions.

It commonly affects the temporal arteries, which are located on the side of the head near the temples, hence the name temporal arteritis. This condition primarily affects individuals who are over the age of 50, and it is more prevalent in women than men.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of temporal arteritis is still unknown. However, it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy cells and tissues of the body.

Genetic and environmental factors may also play a role in the development of this condition.

There are certain risk factors that have been associated with temporal arteritis. These include:.

Age: As mentioned earlier, temporal arteritis most commonly affects individuals over the age of 50.
Sex: Women are more prone to developing temporal arteritis than men.
Ethnicity: This condition seems to be more prevalent among individuals of Scandinavian or Northern European descent.
Genetics: There may be a genetic component involved, as temporal arteritis has been observed to run in families.

Symptoms

The symptoms of temporal arteritis can vary from person to person. Some common signs and symptoms include:.

Headache: The most common symptom experienced by individuals with temporal arteritis is a severe headache, often around the temples.
Tenderness: The affected arteries may feel tender or painful when touched.
Jaw pain: Pain and stiffness in the jaw, particularly while chewing, is another common symptom.
Visual disturbances: Temporal arteritis can cause vision problems, including blurred vision, double vision, or even sudden vision loss.
Fatigue: Many individuals with temporal arteritis complain of fatigue or a general feeling of weakness.
Fever: Some individuals may develop a low-grade fever.
Scalp sensitivity: The scalp may become sensitive or painful to the touch.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing temporal arteritis requires a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, and various tests.

The doctor will usually begin by conducting a physical examination and assessing the patient’s medical history, focusing on the symptoms experienced.

A biopsy of the temporal artery is commonly performed to confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing a small sample of the artery for laboratory analysis.

A positive biopsy result will show inflammation in the arterial wall, confirming temporal arteritis.

Additional tests such as blood tests, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, can also be helpful in diagnosing temporal arteritis. These tests may reveal increased levels of inflammation in the body.

Treatment

Treatment for temporal arteritis aims to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. The most common treatment is the use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone.

These medications help to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the blood vessels.

It is important to start treatment as soon as possible, as untreated temporal arteritis can lead to serious complications, including vision loss and stroke.

Once the symptoms are under control, the dosage of corticosteroids is gradually reduced over a period of several months.

In some cases, additional medications such as methotrexate may be prescribed to help reduce the dependency on corticosteroids or manage the side effects.

Possible Complications

If left untreated or poorly managed, temporal arteritis can lead to various complications, including:.

Blindness: The inflammation can affect the blood flow to the eyes, leading to permanent vision loss.
Jaw claudication: Inadequate blood flow to the jaw muscles can cause pain and difficulty with chewing.
Stroke: Temporal arteritis can increase the risk of blood clots, which may lead to a stroke.
Aortic aneurysm: In some cases, the inflammation can extend to the large blood vessels, including the aorta, leading to the formation of an aneurysm.

Prevention and Outlook

As the exact cause of temporal arteritis is unknown, it is difficult to prevent the condition. However, early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in order to prevent complications.

Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help in identifying any possible signs or symptoms of temporal arteritis.

With appropriate treatment, most individuals with temporal arteritis experience significant improvements in their symptoms. However, the treatment may need to be continued for an extended period of time to prevent relapses or complications.