Temporal arteritis is an inflammation of the medium and large arteries of the body. Inflammatory cells invade the walls of the affected blood vessels causing reduced blood flow, also known as ischemia. Although it is a systemic disease, temporal arteritis often affects arteries of the head, producing characteristic symptoms. Temporal arteritis is also known as giant cell arteritis or cranial arteritis. It generally occurs in people over the age of 50, is more common in women than in men, and occurs more frequently in Caucasians than in other races.
Headache and Scalp Tenderness
Headache is the most common symptom of temporal arteritis. The Vasculitis Foundation states headache occurs in roughly two-thirds of people with this condition. The headache often occurs in the temples--the area on the side of your head aligned with your eyes at the hairline. It may also occur in the front or back of the head. Some people experience headache on one side of the head, but it may be more generalized. The headache can range from mild to severe; the pain may throb. Scalp tenderness may occur, commonly in the temples. This symptom can be so severe that combing your hair or putting your head on a pillow may cause pain.
Fever
A low-grade fever may be accompanied by sweats and may precede other symptoms by weeks or months.
Jaw Claudication
Jaw claudication--pain in the jaw after chewing--occurs in roughly half of people with temporal arteritis, according to the Vasculitis Foundation. The onset of the pain after chewing (or sometimes talking) and the fact that it eases when you rest the jaw helps distinguish this type of jaw pain from the many other causes of jaw pain.
Vision Problems
Vision problems with giant cell arteritis indicate the nerves to the eyes (the optic nerves) are not receiving an adequate blood supply. Blurred vision, double vision, blind spots and drooping of one or both eyelids may occur. Brief episodes of complete or partial loss of vision in one eye are an urgent warning sign. Permanent vision loss in one or both eyes may develop but can usually be avoided with early treatment.
Fatigue, Weakness and Malaise
Fatigue, weakness and feeling generally unwell (malaise) are common symptoms of temporal arteritis. These symptoms may be present for weeks before other more specific symptoms such as headache and jaw problems occur.
Weight Loss
Unintentional weight loss is often a hallmark of systemic disease and is relatively common with giant cell arteritis. Loss of appetite may also occur. These symptoms often precede the onset of other symptoms.
Cough, Throat Pain and Tongue Pain
When the blood vessels that supply the throat and tongue are involved in temporal arteritis, these areas may become symptomatic with cough, throat pain and tongue pain.
Muscle Pain and Stiffness
Roughly 40 to 60 percent of people with giant cell arteritis also have a condition called polymyalgia rheumatica (RMA). Symptoms include muscle pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and hips. The stiffness is characteristically at its worst in the morning and slowly resolves over first 30 to 60 minutes after getting out of bed. When these symptoms are present in combination with headache or jaw pain, they suggest the possibility of giant cell arteritis.
