Temporal Arteritis is a well-defined syndrome and is quite common. It generally affects those 50 years of age and over. It will affect more women than men, in a ratio of 4:1. The causative factors are unknown, although it may be an autoimmune disorder The onset can be sudden and devastatingly painful, or it can come on gradually with minor discomfort that makes the patient feel as if something is not right.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

In temporal arteritis there is a chronic inflammation of medium and large arteries in the head, particularly in the temporal region. These arteries supply a flow of oxygenated blood to the head and brain. The temperal arteries are the most affected as the name suggests. When these arteries become inflamed, the condition is known as “vascultis”. These are the arteries closest to the eyes and may have a serious impact on the eyes due the inflammation. As the condition progresses, symptoms occurring may be, headaches, pain in the jaw, a start of changes in the vision.

 Waiting too long can cause serious consequences. Among the various blood tests that will be performed, the one that can prove to be most helpful is the sedimentation rate. This test is also known as the sedrate. If the patient also displays the pain and headaches of possible temporal arteritis, it would be advisable to see an ophthalmologist as well. Another of the blood tests performed is called ESR. There can of course be other tests depending on the course of the condition. The patient exhibiting symptoms of temporal arteritis may require an arterial biopsy in order to have a definitive diagnosis. This condition often affects those 40 to 50 years of age, but can affect other age groups as well. It will also affect women more than men on a 4:1 ratio.

Temporal arteritis conditions are generally treated with corticosteroids. The patient with temporal arteritis will usually be started on cortisone (prednisone) immediately on a daily basis, and will only be reduced when symptoms subside. Patients, who have temperal arteritis and do not exhibit symptoms of temporal arteritis, will usually be treated with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Anyone affected with polymyalgia rheumatica and possibly temporal arteritis, may be able to find relief from the pain and discomfort, and should not depend on drugs alone to find this relief. There are several things they can do to make themselves more comfortable and possibly get off the drugs sooner. It is most important that the patient gets enough rest so the body is not overtaxed, and the involved muscles will be able to relax. Hot showers can be extremely helpful to relax the muscles and relieve the pain. A heating pad used 3 to 4 times on the affected painful muscles can also be very beneficial. Using a good analgesic gel on the painful areas, 3 to 4 times daily can help control the pain. What is most important is that the individual recognize the seriousness of their symptoms and do something about it, first, by seeking help from their healthcare provider, and, second, by following his/her advice. Following the above advice for self-help can help shorten the course of this condition. Above all these symptoms should not be ignored, and they should not feel that this is something that will eventually go away by itself. This type of thinking can prove to be very serious in it’s ramifications, possibly leading to blindness.