What happens if the temporal artery is damaged?

If not diagnosed and treated quickly, temporal arteritis can cause: Damage to eyesight, including sudden blindness in one or both eyes. Damage to blood vessels, such as an aneurysm (a ballooning blood vessel that may burst). Other disorders, including stroke or transient ischemic attacks (“mini-strokes”).

What is temporal artery ligation?

Superficial temporal artery ligation combined with auriculotemporal nerve transection (SLAT) is one of the surgical alternatives to treat the drug-resistant temporal cluster headache (TCH). The current work aimed to assess the effect of SLAT on TCH patients based on the very long-term clinical follow-up.

Where is the temporal artery located?

In human anatomy, the superficial temporal artery is a major artery of the head. It arises from the external carotid artery when it splits into the superficial temporal artery and maxillary artery. Its pulse can be felt above the zygomatic arch, above and in front of the tragus of the ear.

Can you remove the temporal artery?

A temporal artery biopsy is a procedure to remove a section of the artery for testing. It is used to diagnose an inflammation of the blood vessels called giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Which specialist treats temporal arteritis?

Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to preventing serious complications, like blindness, from giant cell arteritis. If we suspect GCA, you may be referred to a rheumatologist.

Does aspirin help temporal arteritis?

Aspirin has been shown to have beneficial effects on the type of inflammation that causes damage in GCA and could therefore help to reduce disease-related complications.

Where is the temporal artery in the forehead?

Your temporal artery is a blood vessel that runs across the middle of your forehead. A temporal artery thermometer (TAT) is one that you place on the skin of your forehead to get a readout of your body temperature.

What medical specialist treats temporal arteritis?

Can you feel temporal artery?

The temporal artery can develop an inflammation called “temporal arteritis,” but this causes a decrease in pulsations. In fact, in temporal arteritis you often can’t feel the pulse through this artery at all.

How long do you take prednisone for temporal arteritis?

Most patients with giant cell arteritis require at least two years of corticosteroid therapy. A few patients remain on a low dosage of corticosteroid indefinitely.

Is temporal arteritis an emergency?

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis or Horton’s arteritis, is an inflammation T-lymphocyte mediated inflammation affecting the internal elastic lamina and external arteries of large and medium size. It is a medical emergency that can result in severe systemic and ocular complications.

What happens if the temporal artery is blocked?

Over time, the swollen and narrowed temporal arteries cause decreased blood flow to the eyes, face, and brain. The lack of oxygen may result in other serious conditions, such as a stroke, heart attack, or blindness. Temporal arteritis may become life-threatening.

What are the treatment options for temporal arteritis?

The doctor may recommend supplements such as calcium and vitamin D, and exercises such as walking or weight-bearing exercises, to prevent osteoporosis. Fortunately, a new medication called tocilizumab was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2017 to treat temporal arteritis.

What are the symptoms of temporal arterial stenosis?

It most often affects the temporal arteries. Temporal arteries are blood vessels that are located near your temples. Your arteries may become swollen, narrow, and tender. Over time, the swollen and narrowed temporal arteries cause decreased blood flow to the eyes, face, and brain.

What is temporal arteritis (Horton’s arteritis)?

In temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis or Horton’s arteritis, the temporal arteries (the blood vessels near the temples), which supply blood from the heart to the scalp, are inflamed (swollen) and constricted (narrowed).