Arteritis - temporal
Key points
- Temporal arteritis is a disorder involving inflammation and damage to blood vessels, particularly the large or medium arteries that branch from the external carotid artery of the neck.
- Giant cell, cranial, or temporal arteritis occurs when there is inflammation and necrosis (death of the tissues) of one or more arteries.
- Signs and tests When the doctor feels (palpates) the head, the scalp is sensitive and often shows a tender, thick artery on one side of the head.
- The goal of treatment is to minimize irreversible tissue damage that may occur because of lack of blood flow (ischemia).
Alternative names
Temporal arteritis; Cranial arteritis; Giant cell arteritis
Definition
Temporal arteritis is a disorder involving inflammation and damage to blood vessels, particularly the large or medium arteries that branch from the external carotid artery of the neck.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Giant cell, cranial, or temporal arteritis occurs when there is inflammation and necrosis (death of the tissues) of one or more arteries. It most commonly occurs in the head, especially in the temporal arteries that branch from the carotid artery of the neck. However, it can be systemic, affecting multiple medium-to-large sized arteries anywhere in the body.
The cause is unknown but is assumed to be, at least in part, an effect of the immune response. The disorder has been associated with severe infections and high doses of antibiotics. The symptoms occur because of inflammation.
The disorder may exist independently or may coexist with or follow polymyalgia rheumatica (a disorder characterized by abrupt development of pain and stiffness in the pelvis and shoulder muscles). About 25% of people with giant cell arteritis also experience polymyalgia rheumatica.
Giant cell arteritis is seen almost exclusively in those over 50 years old, but may occasionally occur in younger people. It is rare in people of African descent. There is some evidence that it runs in families.
Symptoms
- fever
- a throbbing headache on one side of the head or the back of the head
- scalp sensitivity, tenderness when touching the scalp
- jaw pain, intermittent or when chewing
- vision difficulties
o blurred vision, double vision
o reduced vision, blindness in one or both eyes - weakness, excessive tiredness
- a general ill feeling
- a loss of appetite
- weight loss (more than 5% of total body weight)
- muscle aches
- excessive sweating
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- mouth sores
- joint stiffness
- joint pain
- hearing loss
- bleeding gums
- face pain
Frequently asked questions
What is arteritis?
Temporal arteritis is a disorder involving inflammation and damage to blood vessels, particularly the large or medium arteries that branch from the external carotid artery of the neck.
What are the risk factors for arteritis?
Giant cell, cranial, or temporal arteritis occurs when there is inflammation and necrosis (death of the tissues) of one or more arteries. It most commonly occurs in the head, especially in the temporal arteries that branch from the carotid artery of the neck. However, it can be systemic, affecting multiple medium-to-large sized arteries anywhere in the body. The cause is unknown but is assumed to be, at least in part, an effect of the immune response. The disorder has been associated with severe infections and high doses of antibiotics. The symptoms occur because of inflammation.
What are the symptoms of arteritis?
- fever
- a throbbing headache on one side of the head or the back of the head
- scalp sensitivity, tenderness when touching the scalp
- jaw pain, intermittent or when chewing
- vision difficulties o blurred vision, double vision o reduced vision, blindness in one or both eyes
- weakness, excessive tiredness
- a general ill feeling
- a loss of appetite
- weight loss (more than 5% of total body weight)
- muscle aches
- excessive sweating Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- mouth sores
- joint stiffness
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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