Inflammation of blood vessels in the temple
Causes/Factors
- Older age
- Caucasian
- Smoking
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
Presentation
- Severe headache
- Jaw pain
- Scalp tenderness
- Loss of/double vision - can be transient but large risk of permanent loss
- Prominent temporal vessels but no pulse
- Pale optic disc
Investigations
- Painful temporal arteries of palpation/eating
- CRP, ESR
- Biopsy for definitive diagnosis
- USS halo sign
Management
- High dose corticosteroids - Prednisolone (+ PPI and bisphosphonates for protection of stomach and bones)
- Rheumatology referral