Temporal arteritis

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Carotid artery anatomy

Arteritis - temporal; Cranial arteritis; Giant cell arteritis

The goal of treatment is to minimize irreversible tissue damage that may occur because of lack of blood flow (ischemia).

Corticosteroids such as Prednisone are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation.Corticosteroid treatment may be started even before a biopsy confirms the diagnosis (to reduce the risk of complications). Aspirin may be recommended in addition to corticosteroids. Medications that suppress the immune system (such as cyclophosphamide or methotrexate) are occasionally prescribed to try to minimize the dose of steroids needed.

Most people make a full recovery, but prolonged treatment, for 1 to 2 years, may be necessary. Recurrence is possible for several years.

Possible complications, especially if not treated properly or promptly, include:

• obstruction of the arteries of the eye, leading to blindness or ophthalmoplegia (weakness or paralysis of one or more eye muscles)
• TIA or stroke
• damage to other blood vessels in the body
• side effects of therapy

Call your health care provider if persistent throbbing headache and other symptoms that indicate giant cell arteritis occur.

Review Date: 04/20/2005
Reviewed By: Stanford Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.