Temporal Arteritis

Temporal arteritis is a disorder that results in the swelling of arteries in the head, neck, and arms. The exact cause is unknown, but is believed to be possibly linked to the aging process. Some people with this disorder also develop polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Common symptoms of temporal arteritis include one-sided headaches, blurry vision, and tenderness in the temple area.

 

An Introduction to Temporal Arteritis

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis and cranial arteritis, is a disorder that results in the swelling of arteries in the head (most often the temporal arteries, which are located on the temples on each side of the head), neck, and arms. This swelling causes the arteries to narrow, reducing blood flow. Early treatment is critical for a good prognosis.
 
Temporal arteritis is quite common. In the United States, An estimated 200 out of every 100,000 people over the age of 50 develop temporal arteritis.
 

Causes of Temporal Arteritis

The cause of temporal arteritis is not known; however, possibilities include immune system abnormalities and genetic factors.
 
The fact that temporal arteritis is rare in people under the age of 50 suggests that it may be linked to the aging process. Also, about half of the people affected by temporal arteritis also have polymyalgia rheumatica. At this point, though, research scientists are not sure there is a direct connection between the two.
 

Temporal Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica

It is unclear how or why temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are related, but about half of the people affected by temporal arteritis also have polymyalgia rheumatica.
 
An estimated 15 percent of people in the United States with polymyalgia rheumatica also develop temporal arteritis. Patients can develop temporal arteritis either at the same time as polymyalgia rheumatica or after the polymyalgia symptoms disappear.
 

Symptoms of Temporal Arteritis

Symptoms of temporal arteritis may develop rapidly -- in some patients, overnight. In other people, symptoms develop more gradually. Common symptoms include:
 
  • One-sided severe headache
  • Pain in the temples, especially when chewing
  • Tenderness in the temple area
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Pain in the jaw and tongue
  • Low-grade fever
  • Body aches
  • Muscle pain
  • Stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Anemia
  • Vision loss
  • Sweats
  • Dementia (rarely).
     
These possible symptoms of temporal arteritis are not sure signs of the disease. Other problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with possible symptoms of temporal arteritis should see their doctor so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.
 

Diagnosing Temporal Arteritis

No single test is available to definitively diagnose temporal arteritis. To make a temporal arteritis diagnosis, a physician considers the patient's medical history, including symptoms that the patient reports, results of the physical exam, blood tests that can rule out other possible diagnoses, and results of other procedures, including a temporal artery biopsy.
 
(Click Diagnosing Temporal Arteritis for more information.)
 

Treating Temporal Arteritis

Temporal arteritis carries a small but definite risk of blindness. This blindness is permanent once it happens. In order to prevent this, temporal arteritis treatment uses a high dose of prednisone, which is a corticosteroid medicine. This treatment should be started as soon as possible, perhaps even before the diagnosis is confirmed with a temporal artery biopsy.
 

Prognosis for Temporal Arteritis

The prognosis for individuals with temporal arteritis is generally good. With temporal arteritis treatment, most individuals achieve complete remission. If untreated, temporal arteritis can lead to serious complications, including permanent vision loss and stroke.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD