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Marked by inflammation in large blood vessels, Temporal (Giant Cell) Arteritis is more prevalent in women and often presents as temporal headaches. Left untreated, it may lead to artery blockage to the eye, resulting in blindness. The highly experianced vascular surgeons at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates, situated in Wildomar, Temecula, Hemet, and Corona, specialize in timely temporal artery biopsies. This procedure confirms the diagnosis and facilitates appropriate treatment by the primary medical team. Call the office nearest you today or book an appointment online to learn more about biopsies for temporal arteritis.
What is temporal (giant cell) arteritis?
Temporal arteritis, also called giant cell arteritis (GCA), is inflammation of the temporal arteries. The inflammation usually occurs in the arteries that go to the head and scalp, especially the arteries in the temples, which is why it’s called temporal arteritis.
Researchers are still investigating the cause of temporal arteritis but theorize that the inflammation occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the blood vessels. People with polymyalgia rheumatica, an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, are at an increased risk of developing temporal arteritis.
The inflammation causes the arteries to narrow, limiting the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the head.
What does temporal (giant cell) arteritis feel like?
Pain and tenderness at the temples is the most common symptom of temporal arteritis. The pain is usually severe and may come and go and worsen over time. You may also have:
- Scalp tenderness
- Jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Vision loss
- Weight loss
You can prevent serious complications from temporal arteritis with early diagnosis and treatment.
When should I have a biopsy for temporal arteritis?
Temporal arteritis is hard to diagnose because symptoms are similar to other health conditions. Your doctor may perform various tests to rule out other diseases before considering the inflammatory disorder.
Bloodwork and imaging tests of the head may provide some clues about temporal arteritis. However, a biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose the inflammatory disorder.
During the biopsy, the vascular surgeon makes a small incision along the skin at the temple to locate the artery. Then, they remove a small section of the artery and send it to the lab for an evaluation.
The remaining ends of the artery are tied off, stopping blood flow and allowing other nearby arteries to take over blood flow to the head and scalp. Your surgeon closes the incision and covers it with a bandage.
They may biopsy the arteries on both sides of the head.
What happens after a biopsy for temporal arteritis?
The surgeons at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates provide at-home care instructions for managing the wounds following the biopsy. They also explain when you can expect results.
Corticosteroids are the primary treatment for temporal arteritis. Your primary provider or a specialist manages treatment for temporal arteritis.
Do you have severe temporal headaches? Are you concerned you may have temporal arteritis? Call Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today or book a consultation online to learn more about the temporal arteritis biopsy.