What is temporal arteritis?
Temporal arteritis is where the arteries, particularly those at the temples (side of your head) become inflamed.
What causes temporal arteritis?
Exact cause is unknown. Causes can include:
- Autoimmune response
- More common in those age 50 plus
- Women are 2-3 times more likely to be affected than men
- Those between 70-80 are high risk
- Family history of the condition
- Genetics
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
- Environmental exposure come in cycles and develop seasonally. Environmental triggers such as viruses also play a role
What are the symptoms of temporal arteritis?
Symptoms include:
- Pain in the shoulders
- Pain in the neck, upper arms, buttocks, hips
- Stiffness in the affected area
- Poor range of motion
- Stiff knees, wrists and elbows
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
