Temporal Arteritis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Temporal (TEM-po-ral) arteritis (ahr-ter-I-tis) is also called giant cell arteritis or cranial arteritis. This is a condition where one or both of the temporal arteries are inflamed (swollen). Temporal arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen and are located above and in front of the ears. With temporal arteritis, the arteries are damaged and scars may form in them. This makes the temporal arteries swollen, narrow, and tender. Over time, the swollen and narrowed temporal arteries cause decreased blood flow to the eyes, face, and brain. People who have temporal arteritis often also have polymyalgia rheumatica. Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disease which causes pain and stiffness of the muscles and joints of the body. Both diseases may occur at the same time or one after the other.
  
  
• Severe and throbbing headache is the most common symptom of temporal arteritis. Your temporal arteries may also be enlarged or bulging. Other symptoms may include fever; jaw, tongue, muscle and joint pains; loss of appetite; or weight loss. Temporal arteritis is diagnosed by blood tests, biopsy, angiography, arterial doppler, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Treatment includes medicines, such as steroids, immunoglobulins, immunosuppressants, and aspirin. With proper treatment, you have a greater chance of having a full recovery and preventing further problems. Ask your caregiver for more information about these tests and treatments.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Aspirin to stop blood clots: Aspirin helps thin the blood to keep blood clots from forming. If caregivers tell you to take aspirin, do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead. Do not take more or less aspirin than caregivers say to take.
  
  
• Steroids: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease inflammation, which is redness, pain, and swelling.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can damage your brain, heart, and liver. Almost every part of your body can be harmed by alcohol. Drinking alcohol can also make your illness worse. Talk to your caregiver if you drink alcohol, and ask for information about how to stop.

Exercise: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and keeps you healthy.

Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You suddenly cannot see with one or both eyes.
  
  
• You have signs of a heart attack:
  
  
  • Chest pain or discomfort that spreads to your arms, jaw, or back.
    
    
  • Unusual, sudden back pain.
    
    
  • Nausea (sick to your stomach).
    
    
  • Trouble breathing.
    
    
  • Sweating.
    
    
  • Lips or nailbeds that turn blue or white in color.
    
    
  • This is an emergency. Call 911 or 0 (operator) for an ambulance to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!
  
  
• You have signs and symptoms of a stroke: You have one or more of these signs and symptoms of a stroke. These signs and symptoms may happen suddenly:
  
  
  • A very bad headache. This may feel like the worst headache of your life.
    
    
  • Too dizzy to stand.
    
    
  • Weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face. This may happen on only one side of your body.
    
    
  • Confusion and problems speaking or understanding things.
    
    
  • Not able to see out of one or both of your eyes.
    
    
  • This is an emergency. Call 911 or 0 (operator) for an ambulance to get to the nearest hospital. Do not drive yourself!
  
  
• Your signs and symptoms come back or get worse.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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