Temporal Arteritis
Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammatory condition affecting the medium-sized blood vessels that supply the head, eyes, and optic nerves. The disease usually affects those over 60 years of age and causes the vessels in the temple and scalp to become swollen and tender. Women are approximately 4 times more likely to suffer from this disease then men.

The major concern with temporal arteritis is vision loss, although if allowed to progress, it may affect arteries in other areas of the body. This condition is potentially vision threatening, however, if treated promptly, permanent vision loss can be prevented. Vision is threatened when the inflamed arteries obstruct blood flow to the eyes and optic nerve If untreated, permanent vision loss can occur from oxygen deprivation to the retina and optic nerve.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Patients with temporal arteritis usually notice visual symptoms in one eye at first, but as many as 50% may notice symptoms in the fellow eye within days if the condition is untreated.

•Headache
•Tenderness of scalp (combing hair may be painful)
•Pain in temple area (may be excruciating)
•Transient blurred vision
•Loss of appetite
•Fever
•Fatigue
•Depression
•Drooping lid
•Double vision
•Sore neck
•Jaw soreness, when chewing food
DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS
When temporal arteritis is suspected, the doctor will order blood tests including a erythrocyte (red blood cell) sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein test. The ESR test measures the time it takes for the erythrocytes to collect in the bottom of a test tube. The sediment layer of erythrocytes is measured in millimeters and recorded. An abnormally high ESR is indicative of active inflammation.

C-reactive protein is produced in the liver. This protein is released when the body responds to an injury or any other event that signals inflammation. C-reactive protein is measured with a blood test.

A biopsy of the temporal artery is usually recommended. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia. A small section of the temporal artery is removed and examined under magnification for inflammatory cells. This test allows doctors to definitively diagnose temporal arteritis.

TREATMENT
The ophthalmologist often works in conjunction with the patient's internist to treat this disease. The primary treatment for the disease is oral steroid medication to reduce the inflammatory process. Most patients notice an improvement in their symptoms within several days. In some cases, a long-term maintenance dosage of the steroid is required.

- 5 Convenient Locations -
Olive Branch
Poplar Commons
Southaven
Winchester
Master Eye Associates - Olive Branch 5218 Goodman Rd Olive Branch, MS 38654 Phone: Coming Soon
Master Eye Associates - Poplar Commons Poplar Commons 4562 Poplar Ave #115 Memphis, TN 38117 Phone: (901) 683-1796 Fax: (901) 683-1603
Master Eye Associates - Southaven 338 Goodman Rd W Southaven, MS 38671 Phone: (662) 510-7397 Fax: 9662) 598-4280
Master Eye Associates - Winchester 7706 Winchester Rd. #105 Memphis, TN 38125 Phone: (901) 752-1551 Fax: (901) 752-1505
Master Eye Associates - Wolfcreek 2825 N. Germantown Parkway #103 Memphis, TN 38133 Phone: (901) 384-9259 Fax: (901) 385-7592

Master Eye Associates proudly serves Memphis, TN and the surrounding areas of Cordova, Collierville, Southaven, Bartlett, Germantown, Olive Branch, Byhalia, Horn lake and West Memphis.

© 2024 All content is the property of Master Eye Associates TN ™ & assoc. vendors.
Website Powered and Developed by EyeVertise.com