Temporal arteritis is a condition of inflammation of the arteries. It affects the head, neck, upper body, and arms. The temporal artery is most often affected. It runs over the temple, to the outside of the eye. In extreme or untreated cases, this condition can lead to blindness or strokes. Two other terms often associated with this condition include:
The cause of temporal arteritis is not known. It may result from an immune response in the body.
Factors that increase your risk of temporal arteritis include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Diagnosis is based on the occurrence of certain factors, including:
Tests may include:
Treatment may include:
This therapy is used to decrease the swelling and inflammation. It will also help decrease the risk of blindness. At first, high doses of prednisone are often given. The doses are then tapered off. Therapy is often continued for several years.
Long-term use of corticosteroids has some harmful side effects. This may include:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society
http://www.ccs.ca/
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology
http://www.entcanada.org/
References:
American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org .
Karahaliou M, Vaiopoulos G, Papspyrou S. Colour duplex sonography of temporal arteries before decision for biopsy: a prospective study in 55 patients with suspected giant cell arteritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2006;8:R116.
Larsson K, Mellström D, Nordborg C, Odén A, Nordborg E. Early menopause, low body mass index, and smoking are independent risk factors for developing giant cell arteritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65:529-532.
Lawrence RC, Helmick CG, Arnett FC, et al. Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and selected musculoskeletal disorders in the United States. Arthritis Rheum. 1998; 41:778.
Nat Clin Pract Rheumatol . 2006;2:443-451.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov .
Parikh M, Miller NR, Lee AG, et al. Prevalence of a normal c-reactive protein with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis. Ophthalmology . 2006;113(10):1842-1845.
Smetana GW, Shmerling RH. Does this patient have temporal arteritis?. JAMA. 2002; 287:92.
University of Southern California Department of Neurosurgery website. Available at: http://archsurg.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/139/11/1146 .
Last reviewed January 2009 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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