Temporal arteritis, also known as Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), is a condition characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. This disorder primarily affects medium to large arteries throughout the body, with a notable impact on the arteries located on the sides of the head. A swollen temple can be a prominent indicator of this condition, signaling an underlying inflammatory process that requires prompt attention.
The Cause of Temple Swelling in Temporal Arteritis
Temporal arteritis is a form of vasculitis. This condition is considered an autoimmune disorder, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy artery cells, leading to inflammation. The temporal arteries, located on each side of the head.
When these specific arteries become inflamed, their walls thicken and swell. This thickening restricts blood flow through the vessels, making them feel tender, enlarged, or even appear visibly bulging under the skin in the temple region. The inflammation and subsequent swelling directly contribute to the palpable and sometimes visible lump on the temple, which is a hallmark sign of the condition.
Associated Symptoms of Temporal Arteritis
A persistent and often severe headache, typically localized over one or both temples, is a common symptom associated with temporal arteritis. This headache may be throbbing in nature and can be a new experience for the individual. Scalp tenderness often accompanies the headache, causing discomfort when brushing hair, resting the head on a pillow, or even wearing glasses.
Another distinct symptom is jaw claudication, which presents as pain or fatigue in the jaw muscles that worsens with chewing or talking. Visual disturbances are a particularly serious symptom, including blurred vision, double vision, or episodes of sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
Beyond these localized symptoms, individuals with temporal arteritis may also experience more general signs of illness. These can include fever, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. Some people may also notice muscle aches and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and hips, a condition often linked with temporal arteritis called polymyalgia rheumatica.
How Doctors Diagnose the Condition
Diagnosing temporal arteritis begins with a thorough physical examination. A doctor will carefully examine the head, specifically feeling the temporal arteries on the sides of the forehead for signs of tenderness, swelling, or a reduced pulse. This physical assessment helps to identify any palpable abnormalities in the affected vessels.
Blood tests are also ordered to look for markers of inflammation within the body. Commonly measured indicators include the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), both of which are elevated in individuals with temporal arteritis. While these tests can suggest inflammation, they are not specific to temporal arteritis alone and can be elevated in other conditions.
The definitive test to confirm a diagnosis of temporal arteritis is a temporal artery biopsy. A small segment of the temporal artery is surgically removed. The tissue sample is then examined under a microscope for characteristic signs of inflammation, including the presence of multinucleated giant cells.
The Importance of Prompt Treatment
Immediate treatment for temporal arteritis is important to prevent serious and irreversible complications. The most significant concern is permanent vision loss, which can occur suddenly if inflammation severely restricts blood flow to the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve from lack of blood flow is irreversible.
High-dose corticosteroid medication, such as prednisone, is the standard initial treatment for temporal arteritis. This medication is often started immediately upon suspicion of the condition, even before biopsy results are fully available, due to the urgency of preventing vision loss. Corticosteroids work by reducing the inflammation in the arteries.
The initial high dose of steroids is maintained for a few weeks to bring symptoms under control. Following this, the dosage is gradually reduced over a longer period, depending on the individual’s response and resolution of symptoms. Regular monitoring of symptoms and inflammatory markers helps guide the tapering process.