In temporal arteritis there is chronic inflammation of the medium and large arteries of the head, particularly in the temporal region. These are the arteries that form the aortic arch. These arteries supply a flow of oxygenated blood to the head and brain. The temporal arteries are the most affected as their name indicates. Larger arteries can also be affected. When these arteries become inflamed, the condition is known as “vascultis.” These are the arteries closest to the eyes and can have a serious impact on the eyes due to inflammation. As the condition progresses, presenting symptoms may include headaches, jaw pain, and the beginning of vision changes.
The symptoms caused by temporal arteritis are very similar to those found in polymyalgia rheumatica. Waiting too long to start a treatment program can have serious consequences. At the first indication of any symptoms, the person should see their health care provider, who will perform various tests to reach a definitive diagnosis. Among the various blood tests that will be performed, the one that may prove most useful is the sedimentation rate. This test is also known as sedation. If the patient also presents pain and headaches from a possible temporal arteritis, it would be advisable to also go to the ophthalmologist. Another of the blood tests that is performed is the so-called VSG. Of course, there may be other tests depending on the course of the condition. The patient presenting with symptoms of temporal arteritis may require an arterial biopsy to have a definitive definitive diagnosis. This condition often affects people between the ages of 40 and 50, but it can affect other age groups as well. It will also affect women more than men in a 4:1 ratio.
This condition is usually generally treated with corticosteroids. The patient with this syndrome will usually be started on cortisone (prednisone) immediately every day, only tapered off when the symptoms subside. Patients who have temporal arteritis and do not show symptoms of this syndrome will usually be treated with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Anyone afflicted with polymyalgia rheumatica, and possibly temporal arteritis, can find relief from pain and discomfort, and should not rely on medication alone to find this relief. There are several things you can do to feel more comfortable and possibly get off drugs sooner. It is very important that the patient gets enough rest so that the body is not overloaded and the muscles involved can relax. Hot showers can be a great help in relaxing muscles and relieving pain. A heating pad used 3 to 4 times a day on affected sore muscles can also be very beneficial. Using a good pain reliever gel on sore areas 3-4 times a day can help control pain. The most important thing is for the person to recognize the severity of their symptoms and do something about it, first by seeking help from their health care provider and second by following their advice.
Following the above self-help tips can help shorten the course of this condition. Above all, these symptoms should not be ignored, and they should not feel like this is something that will eventually go away on its own. This type of thinking can be very serious in its ramifications, possibly leading to blindness if treatment is not started soon enough. The individual should see their health care provider regularly to determine the status of her condition.
