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Temporal arteritis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Arteritis - temporal; Cranial arteritis; Giant cell arteritis

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to reduce tissue damage that may occur because of lack of blood flow.

Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroid treatment may be started even before a biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Aspirin may also be recommended.

Medications that suppress the immune system are occasionally prescribed.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most people make a full recovery, but long-term treatment (for 1 to 2 years) may be needed. The condition may return at a later date.

Complications:

Possible complications, especially if not treated properly or promptly, include:

• Sudden vision loss or eye muscle weakness
• Damage to other blood vessels in the body
• TIA or stroke

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have persistent throbbing headache and other symptoms of temporarl arteritis.

• Review Date: 3/27/2007
• Reviewed By: Steve Lee, DO, Rheumatology Fellow, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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