Can Temporal Arthritis be Treated?

Temporal Arthritis is Easily Treated with Corticosteroid Drugs

Many people are not familiar with temporal arthritis. Temporal arthritis is an inflammation of the medium and large arteries which run along the head. These arteries bring the blood supply to the scalp. Young people are not usually diagnosed with temporal arthritis and it is usually found in individuals over 50.

As with other forms of arthritis, the cause of temporal arthritis is unknown. However, it is thought to be brought about by a disorder in the body’s immune system. 

A sign of temporal arthritis can include sudden pain which usually occurs around the temple area of the head. Many report that even grooming their hair can cause pain. This is a sign that the blood vessels are swollen. You may also run a low fever if you have temporal arthritis. Vision problems can occur when you have temporal arthritis--including blurred vision, double vision or a loss of vision in one eye. Some individuals report that they experience pain when talking or chewing. Other symptoms of temporal arthritis can also include shaking, sweating, weight loss, tiredness, and loss of appetite. You may also become anemic and have joint stiffness.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor. Your doctor will order blood tests and a biopsy. The biopsy involves taking a small piece of the inflamed artery to view for abnormal cells. This is necessary for a diagnosis of temporal arthritis. You should not put off contacting your doctor out of fear. Temporal arthritis that is left untreated can lead to blindness.

If you do have temporal arthritis, your doctor will prescribe a corticosteroid drug. This will help reduce inflammation. This is important because the inflammation of the arteries is what can lead to blindness. Prednisone can be a wonderful anti-inflammatory medication for someone with temporal arthritis. Cortisone is the hormone which is produced by the adrenal glands, prednisone resembles cortisone and reduces the inflammation and pain of temporal arthritis. Many individuals only have to take prednisone for a few years. Others may have to continue taking prednisone for their entire life to keep temporal arthritis under control.