The procedure is performed with local anesthesia. A small section of the temporal artery is removed and examined under magnification for inflammatory cells. This test allows doctors to definitively diagnose temporal arteritis. The ophthalmologist often works in conjunction with the patient's internist to treat this disease. The primary treatment for the disease is oral steroid medication to reduce the inflammatory process.
Most patients notice an improvement in their symptoms within several days.
In some cases, a long-term maintenance dosage of the steroid is required. St. Luke's disclaims any and all liability for injury or other damages that could result from use of the information obtained from this site.