Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the medium-sized blood vessels that supply the head, eyes, and optic nerves. Temporal arteritis originates from a generalized vasculopathy affecting medium and large arteries. Temporal, giant cell, and cranial arteritis occurs when there is inflammation and death 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. Temporal arteritis occurs more frequently in Caucasian patients of northern European descent, yet rarely in blacks and Asians. It usually only affects people over the age of 55 and is most common in people over 75. Giant Cell Arteritis seems to affect more women than men.

Giant Cell Arteritis is sometimes related to other problems. Most commonly polymylagia rhuematica, this is a condition which causes pain in the shoulders and hip joints. Polymylagia rhuematica is also associated with problems of blood supply. About 40% of people will have other nonspecific symptoms such as respiratory complaints or weakness or pain along many nerve areas. Rarely, paralysis of eye muscles may occur. Systemic symptoms may include fever, fatigue, malaise, unexplained weight loss, and sweats. Patients may also present with symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica ,carpal tunnel syndrome, radiculopathy, and, rarely, pulse deficits similar to those in Takayasu's arteritis. Physical examination may reveal swelling and tenderness with nodularity over the temporal arteries.

The primary treatment for the disease is oral steroid medication to reduce the inflammatory process. Corticosteroids must be started as soon as the diagnosis is suspected (even before the diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy). A steroid medicine such as prednisolone is the usual treatment. Steroids work by reducing inflammation. After starting treatment, symptoms usually ease quickly, within a few days. Some case reports suggest that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, such as etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade), may be helpful. Aspirin may also be recommended. Medications that suppress the immune system are occasionally prescribed. Azathioprine and methotrexate have occasionally been used in patients with unacceptable corticosteroid adverse effects.

Temporal Arteritis Treatment and Preention Tips

1. Aspirin may also be recommended.

2. Corticosteroid treatment may be started even before a biopsy confirms.

3. Steroids help to reduce swelling, this mean that the swelling in the arteries can be reduced

3. Azathioprine and methotrexate drugs helpful against Arteritis.