Temporal arteritis

Symptoms of temporal arteritis

The symptoms of temporal arteritis depend on which arteries are affected.

The main symptoms are:

• frequent, severe headaches
• pain and tenderness over the temples
• jaw pain while eating or talking
• vision problems, such as double vision or a loss of vision in 1 or both eyes

More general symptoms are also common – for example, flu-like symptoms, unintentional weight loss, depression and tiredness.

Around half of all people with temporal arteritis also develop polymyalgia rheumatica, which causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in the muscles around the shoulders, neck and hips.

Get advice from 111 now if:

• you think you might have temporal arteritis

It can lead to serious problems like stroke and blindness if not treated quickly.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Other ways to get help

Treatment for temporal arteritis

Temporal arteritis is treated with steroid medication, usually prednisolone.

Treatment will be started before temporal arteritis is confirmed because of the risk of vision loss if it's not dealt with quickly.

There are 2 stages of treatment:

1. An initial high dose of steroids for a few weeks to help bring your symptoms under control.
2. A lower steroid dose (after your symptoms have improved) given over a longer period of time, possibly several years.

A small number of people may need to take steroids for the rest of their life.

You'll have regular follow-ups to see how you're doing and check for any side effects you may have.

Find out more about prednisolone and its possible side effects