Symptoms of Temporal Arteritis

Early signs and symptoms of temporal arteritis include a low-grade fever, muscle pain, and stiffness. However, of all the symptoms of this disorder, the most common is a one-sided headache. Other symptoms include tenderness in the temple area and double vision. Because these complaints can be indicative of other problems, anyone with possible temporal arteritis symptoms should see their healthcare provider.

An Overview of Temporal Arteritis Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of temporal arteritis may develop rapidly -- in some patients, overnight. In other people, symptoms develop more gradually.
 
Early symptoms of the condition may resemble the flu, with or without the characteristic temporal arteritis headache. Common early symptoms of temporal arteritis include:
 
  • Low-grade fever
  • Body aches
  • Muscle pain
  • Stiffness
  • Fatigue.
     

The Most Common Temporal Arteritis Symptom

About three out of four people who develop symptoms of temporal arteritis are likely to experience a new onset of severe headaches. The headache is usually on one side and occurs daily. In some cases, however, the headache is located on both sides or is not present at all.
 

Other Symptoms

Other temporal arteritis symptoms include:
 
  • Pain in the temples, especially when chewing
  • Tenderness in the temple area
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Pain in the jaw and tongue
  • Weight loss
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Anemia
  • Vision loss
  • Sweats
  • Dementia (rarely).
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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