Definition:
Temporal arteritis is a condition in which the lining of the arteries is inflamed. Affect arteries may be in the neck, upper body and arms, but usually occurs in the head especially the arteries in the temples. The condition is also called giant cell arteritis, cranial arteritis, or granulomatous arteritis.
Diagnosis:
The doctor asks for the patient's symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam particularly on the temporal arteries, which are usually tender, with a reduced pulse and a hard, cord-like feel and appearance. Blood tests or a biopsy is also done to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:
There is no cure for the condition but immediate treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent the loss of vision. Thus, the doctor starts medication before a diagnosis is confirmed through a biopsy. High doses of a corticosteroid drug are used to treat the condition.
Symptoms and Signs:
Affected individuals frequently have headaches, pain in the jaw, and blurred or double vision. If the condition is severe, it could lead to blindness or stroke. Although the symptoms of the condition vary, most affected individuals feel aches in the muscle with fever and fatigue as well as headache.
Causes:
The condition occurs when the blood flow to the eyes or brain are impaired due to the swelling of the arteries. However, its specific cause is not known, but researchers think that there are genetic, viral, and environmental factors that play roles in the inflammation.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
