What is Temporal Arteritis?
Temporal arteritis, or giant cell arteritis, is an inflammation of the small and medium-sized arteries. Biopsy of the temporal artery may be recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment. Temporal arteritis, if left untreated, can be visually threatening.
What are the symptoms of temporal arteritis?
Signs and symptoms can include the following:
- Age of onset older than 50 years
- New-onset headache or localized head pain
- Temporal artery tenderness to palpation or reduced pulsation
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) greater than 50 mm/h
- Elevated C-reactive Protein (CRP)
Who undergoes a temporal artery biopsy?
Patients are often referred to Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates by their ophthalmologist or primary physician for a biopsy when they suspect temporal arteritis. They may start the patient on medical treatment including oral steroids if their suspicion is high.
Ready to book your procedure?
If you are ready to take the next step, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team! Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi look forward to speaking with you soon!
What is the procedure for temporal artery biopsy?
The procedure takes under an hour and is typically performed under light sedation with a local anesthetic. Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi use minimally invasive techniques to ensure excellent cosmetic outcome by smaller incisions or hiding the scar in the hairline or a forehead wrinkle. The biopsy is usually performed in the upper scalp, close to the hairline. Once the biopsy of the artery