Temporal arteritis occurs more frequently in whites of northern European descent, yet rarely in blacks and Asians. Women develop it 4-6 times more frequently than men. Temporal arteritis rarely occurs in patients younger than 50 years, with the mean age of onset at 70 years. It tends to be new or change in character from a previous headache pattern, yet few features distinguish a headache because of temporal arteritis from those arising from other etiologies. Cephalgia tends to be unilateral, classically concentrating on the temporal region, but may present in a diffuse or bilateral distribution.
Onset is apt to be indolent.
It is frequently worse at night, and the headache gradually worsens over several days. Underlying pain described as a burning or jabbing sensation may involve the surface of the scalp and face more than intracranial components. Simple acts such as combing hair or resting the head on a pillow exacerbate pain, with severity precluding the wearing of a hat or glasses. Onset may occur suddenly and painlessly. A low-grade fever and mild meningeal signs may accompany temporal arteritis.