You have temporal arteritis (also called giant cell arteritis). This is an inflammation of the blood vessels that supply the head, neck, upper body, and arms. It can be diagnosed by examining a small piece of temporal artery, which is easily accessible. This artery is located in the scalp area just above each ear. When the arteries are inflamed, the vessel narrows, and blood flow slows down. A clot may also form inside the artery, stopping all blood flow. Reduced or blocked blood flow in the arteries that supply vital structures in the eye can cause blindness in the affected eye. In rare cases, stroke may occur.
Doctors don't know what causes temporal arteritis. Symptoms include headache, tenderness of the temples or scalp, jaw pain when chewing, muscle aches, tiredness (fatigue), fever, and unintentional weight loss.
Steroids, such as prednisone, are used to treat this condition. These reduce inflammation in the arteries. Most people start to feel better a few days after treatment starts. Most people do recover from this condition, but it may need continued treatment for 1 or 2 years. Long-term steroid treatment can cause various serious side effects. These include osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Talk to your doctor about side effects and ways to minimize them.