Imagine the following situation: a person over 50 years old starts to feel a headache different from their usual pattern. The pain is stronger on the side of the head, in the temple region. When combing their hair, they feel a tender scalp. When eating, they notice fatigue or pain in the jaw while chewing. Additionally, they begin to experience episodes of blurred vision or even momentary loss of vision in one eye.

These signs should not be ignored. They may indicate a condition called temporal arteritis, an inflammation in the blood vessels of the head that can pose significant risks if not treated quickly.

What is temporal arteritis?

Temporal arteritis is an inflammation that affects some arteries (vessels that carry blood) in the head region, mainly in the temples.

This inflammation makes it difficult for blood to pass through, which can affect important structures, such as the eyes. Therefore, it is a condition that requires prompt attention.

It is more common in people over 50 years of age and occurs more frequently in women.

Main signs and symptoms

Be alert to the most common signs:

  • New headache, different from the usual pattern

  • Pain or tenderness of the scalp

  • Pain or fatigue while chewing

  • Blurred vision or loss of vision

  • Excessive fatigue

  • Low-grade fever

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Body aches, mainly in the shoulders and hips

One of the most important points: vision can be affected rapidly and, in some cases, permanently, if there is no treatment.

Risk factors

Some characteristics increase the chance of developing temporal arteritis:

  • Age over 50 years

  • Female sex

  • History of another condition called polymyalgia rheumatica (body pain and stiffness)

  • European ancestry (more common in some populations)

  • Genetic predisposition (cases in the family)

Having these factors does not mean the person will develop the disease, but it increases attention to symptoms.

Possible complications

When not treated quickly, temporal arteritis can cause important complications:

  • Loss of vision (can be sudden and irreversible)

  • Double vision

  • Stroke (CVA)

  • Problems in large vessels of the body, such as dilation (aneurysm) of the aorta

  • Persistent pain and limitation of daily activities

Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment initiation make all the difference.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis begins with a conversation with the patient and physical examination. Then, some tests help confirm the suspicion.

Most common tests:

  • Blood tests that show if there is inflammation in the body

  • Ultrasound of the arteries in the head region

  • In some cases, a small biopsy (removal of a small piece of the temporal artery for analysis)

It is not always necessary to wait for all tests to begin treatment, especially if there is risk to vision.

What is the treatment?

Treatment must be started as quickly as possible, often even before complete confirmation.

It is generally done with:

  • Corticosteroids (medications that reduce inflammation) in high doses initially

  • In more severe cases, intravenous treatment may be necessary

  • In some situations, other medications can be added

Treatment helps control inflammation and, especially, prevent complications such as loss of vision.

Can it be prevented?

There is no specific way to prevent temporal arteritis.

Therefore, the most important thing is to recognize the signs early and seek medical attention quickly.

The sooner treatment begins, the lower the risks.

Not every headache is simple. When it arises in a way different from the usual pattern, especially after age 50, and is accompanied by symptoms such as pain while chewing or changes in vision, it is essential to investigate.

This content aims to inform and guide. It does not replace a medical consultation. If you or someone close to you presents these symptoms, seek professional evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Dr. Rebeca Soares Andrade CRM-GO 39335