Temporal arteritis is very treatable and even curable in many cases. Treatment can reduce and eliminate symptoms and minimize the develoment of serious complications, such as stroke and permanent blindness. However, once complications have developed, they are generally permanent. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to preventing serious complications.
Treatment generally involves the use of high doses of a corticosteroid mediations called prednisone, which suppresses the overactive immune system and the inflammation of the arteries. Prednisone can have side effects, including increased susceptibility to infection. Regular medical care is required to monitor for side effects, adjust dosages as needed, and to evaluate the course of the disorder and assess for early signs of possible complications.
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Temporal arteritis includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.
The first step in getting correct treatment is to get a correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis list for Temporal arteritis may include:
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Temporal arteritis:
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Temporal arteritis include:
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Temporal arteritis:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings »
Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital: More general information, not necessarily in relation to Temporal arteritis, on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:
Treatment for temporal arteritis and its associated symptoms generally includes corticosteroid therapy. Early detection of temporal arteritis and immediate treatment are essential to prevent vision loss. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Vasculitis including Temporal Arteritis Information Page: NINDS)
Giant cell arteritis carries a small but definite risk of blindness. The blindness is permanent once it happens. A high dose of prednisone is needed to prevent blindness and should be started as soon as possible, perhaps even before the diagnosis is confirmed with a temporal artery biopsy. When treated, symptoms quickly disappear. Typically, people with giant cell arteritis must continue taking a high dose of prednisone for 1 month. Once symptoms disappear and the sed rate is normal and there is no longer a risk of blindness, the doctor can begin to gradually reduce the dose. When treated properly, giant cell arteritis rarely recurs.
People taking low doses of prednisone rarely experience side effects. Side effects are more common among people taking higher doses. But all patients should be aware of potential effects, which include:
fluid retention and weight gain
rounding of the face
delayed wound healing
bruising easily
diabetes
myopathy (muscle wasting)
glaucoma
increased blood pressure
decreased calcium absorption in the bones, which can
lead to osteoporosis
irritation of the stomach
People taking corticosteroids may have some side effects or none at all. A patient should report any side effects to the doctor. When the medication is stopped, the side effects disappear. Because prednisone and other corticosteroid drugs change the body’s natural production of corticosteroid hormones, the patient should not stop taking the medication unless instructed by the doctor. The patient and doctor must work together to gradually reduce the medication (Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers About Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis: NIAMS)
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2011 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved. Last Update: 7 May, 2013 (2:49)
