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Temporal Arteritis
Temporal arteritis is a disease that involves inflammation of a blood vessel (artery) in the area of the temple. The cause of the inflammation is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a derangement of the immune system. It is a disease that occurs in people over 50 years of age and affects females 4 times more often than males. It is considered relatively rare in African Americans. Inflammation of the vessels on the outside of the skull can lead to inflammation of other surrounding vessels which supply important structures such as the eye. In some untreated cases, temporal arteritis can lead to blindness. Common symptoms include a throbbing or "burning" headache in the area of the temple. This is associated with tenderness to touching or lightly pushing on this area (the temporal artery). A blood test, known as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, is a relative index of overall inflammation (ESR over 50mm\hr.). In this disease, the sedimentation rate is abnormally elevated. Confirmation of this problem can be accomplished by taking a tissue specimen (biopsy) from the temporal artery and having the Pathologist examine it. Particular changes to the temporal artery, seen only under the microscope, will confirm this diagnosis if it is present. Treatment for confirmed temporal arteritis has been with steroid medications (e.g. Medrol) to reduce inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (e.g. ibuprofen) can be helpful in some patients. Follow-up with a Ophthalmologist will be necessary to confirm that serious eye involvement has not occurred.
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