Temporal arteritis is also called giant cell arteritis. It’s when the arteries’ linings, especially in the head and temples, get inflamed.
People with this condition may feel intense pain in their temples. They might also find their scalp sore, have jaw pain, and feel tired. Other symptoms are fever, losing weight without trying, and vision issues.
If not treated, it can lead to serious problems like blindness, aortic aneurysm, or even a stroke.
Doctors are not sure what exactly causes this. They think it happens when the body’s immune system attacks the blood vessel walls.
Some things could make getting temporal arteritis more likely. This includes being over 50, being a woman, and having a European or Scandinavian background. Also, if you’ve had polymyalgia rheumatica before, your chances might be higher.
To find out if someone has temporal arteritis, a doctor will do an exam. They will also do some blood tests and might take a biopsy of a temporal artery.
The usual treatment is with corticosteroid drugs. They can help with symptoms and protect against losing vision. But we still need to learn more about how well these drugs work.
Scientists are looking into using stem cells to treat this condition. But, these treatments are not yet proven to be safe or effective.
Key Takeaways:
- Temporal arteritis, or giant cell arteritis, is an inflammation of the arteries in the head and temples.
- Common symptoms include severe head pain, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, and vision problems.
- Complications of temporal arteritis can include blindness, aortic aneurysm, and stroke.
- The exact cause of temporal arteritis is unknown, but it is thought to involve immune system attacks on artery walls.
- Factors that increase the risk of temporal arteritis include age, gender, race, and a history of polymyalgia rheumatica.
- Diagnosis involves a physical exam, blood tests, and a temporal artery biopsy.
- Corticosteroid medications are the primary treatment for temporal arteritis, but stem cell therapy is being explored as a potential option.
Symptoms of temporal arteritis
Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, shows several symptoms throughout the body. It’s vital to notice these signs early for proper diagnosis and care. Let’s look at the key symptoms of temporal arteritis:
- Severe head pain: A key sign is a strong pain in the temple area, usually on just one side of the head. This pain is often severe, throbbing, and can make life very hard.
- Scalp tenderness: People with this condition often feel scalp tenderness, especially in the temple area. This can make simple acts like touching or brushing hair painful.
- Jaw pain: It might cause jaw pain or a feeling of tightness, especially when eating or fully opening the mouth. This makes daily tasks like eating and talking difficult for some.
- Fever: Some might experience a persistent low-grade fever. This fever might change in strength over time.
- Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired and weak is common for those with temporal arteritis. Such tiredness can make daily life harder and less enjoyable.
- Unintentional weight loss: Losing weight without trying is also a possible sign. This is often connected to a loss of appetite.
- Vision loss: It can lead to sudden, permanent vision loss in one eye or double vision. Quick medical help is crucial to avoid lasting vision damage.
Temporal arteritis and another condition, polymyalgia rheumatica, share some symptoms. This includes pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and hips. Knowing these symptoms helps doctors in diagnosing and treating temporal arteritis better.
Causes and risk factors of temporal arteritis
Temporal arteritis is a condition where the arteries’ lining, especially in the head and temples, gets inflamed. The cause is not fully understood, but it likely comes from the immune system mistakenly attacking artery linings. This inflammation brings about various symptoms and problems.
Certain factors can make someone more likely to get temporal arteritis. These may include genetic traits and things in the environment. Even though it can’t spread from person to person, some people are more at risk because of who they are.
- Age: It’s most common in adults over 50. The older you get, the more risk you have.
- Gender: Women get this condition more than men. We don’t know why yet.
- Race: It affects more people of Northern European or Scandinavian descent who are Caucasian.
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica: This disorder, with pain in the neck, shoulders, and hips, is closely linked to temporal arteritis.
It’s key to know the causes and risks for temporal arteritis for diagnosis and prevention. By spotting those at higher risk, doctors can help manage this serious condition better.
| Causes and Risk Factors of Temporal Arteritis |
|---|
| Inflammation of artery lining |
| Immune system attacks |
| Age (most common in adults over 50) |
| Gender (more common in women) |
| Race (more common in white people of Northern European or Scandinavian descent) |
| Polymyalgia rheumatica |
Note: The cause of temporal arteritis is still under research. The details here are what we know now. Always talk to a doctor for advice and treatment.
Treatment and management of temporal arteritis
The main treatment for temporal arteritis is corticosteroid medications. These medicines reduce the symptoms and inflammation. This helps prevent vision loss. It’s key to talk to your doctor about how much and how long to take them.
Seeing your doctor regularly is important. They will check how you’re doing and any side effects from the medications. These visits are vital for a good treatment plan and your health. They also allow for any treatment changes and address any worries.
Besides corticosteroids, doctors are looking into using stem cell therapy. This new approach might offer more hope for the future. But, we still need more studies to know if it’s safe and how well it works. The world of medicine is always advancing, and this potential treatment could be part of it.
It’s also vital for those with temporal arteritis to have a healthy lifestyle. Eat well, exercise, and reduce stress. Doing these things can help with symptoms. They can also make medical treatments work better and improve your life.