temporal arteritis

pathology

Also known as: cranial arteritis, giant-cell arteritis

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant-cell arteritis, is an inflammation of arteries, primarily affecting those in the head, particularly the temporal arteries. This condition typically occurs in older individuals, predominantly women over 50. Symptoms can include severe headaches, scalp pain, jaw discomfort, and visual disturbances, with a significant risk of vision loss. The inflammation is characterized by the presence of giant cells within the temporal artery. Treatment often involves corticosteroids, which can help alleviate symptoms.12

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connective tissue disease
Necrotizing vasculitides
Giant-cell or temporal arteritis occurs chiefly in older people and is manifested by severe temporal or occipital headaches (in the temples or at the back of the head), mental disturbances, visual difficulties, fever, anemia, aching pains and weakness in the muscles of the shoulder and pelvic girdles…
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Giant-cell or temporal arteritis occurs chiefly in older people and is manifested by severe temporal or occipital headaches (in the temples or at the back of the head), mental disturbances, visual difficulties, fever, anemia, aching pains and weakness in the muscles of the shoulder and pelvic girdles…
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cardiovascular disease
Arteritis
…type is cranial arteritis (temporal arteritis), a disease of variable duration and unknown cause that is accompanied by fever and involves the temporal and occasionally other arteries of the skull. In general, older persons are affected. Excision of the involved artery may be carried out, but the general symptoms…
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…type is cranial arteritis (temporal arteritis), a disease of variable duration and unknown cause that is accompanied by fever and involves the temporal and occasionally other arteries of the skull. In general, older persons are affected. Excision of the involved artery may be carried out, but the general symptoms…
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arteritis
…cranial, arteritis (also known as giant-cell arteritis), which involves inflammation of the temporal arteries and of other arteries in the cranial area, is of unknown cause, although it is usually preceded by an infection. Most persons affected are women in their 50s or older. The disease usually starts with a…
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…cranial, arteritis (also known as giant-cell arteritis), which involves inflammation of the temporal arteries and of other arteries in the cranial area, is of unknown cause, although it is usually preceded by an infection. Most persons affected are women in their 50s or older. The disease usually starts with a…
Read More