Temporal Arteritis is a inflammatory disease of small and medium arteries. Although the diagnosis is made by biopsy of the Temporal Artery it is thought to affect most arteries in the body. The cause is not known, but is peculiar in that it affects older patients predominantly. This disease is not seen before the age of 55 or so. Diagnosis is made by biopsy of the temporal artery.
Treatment is limited to use of steroids.
This is to avoid the possible blindness which can result if not treated. Side effects are generally limited to the side effects of the steroids, but inadequate treatment with insufficient steroids can lead to blindness. Temporal arteritis can reoccur and will usually require treatment in excess of 3 months. She is swollen, suffering rash on her face and body. She no longer has the ability to remember the past and barely can remember where she is at the present.