Temporal arteritis , also called giant cell arteritis , is a disease of unknown etiology affecting the elderly . It is more common in patients in the 7th and 8th decade of life . Men and women are affected equally . Visual symptoms include temporary sudden vision loss , double vision , and complete permanent visual loss .
Vision loss occurs as a result of acute blockage in an inflamed artery feeding the optic nerve .
Permanent blindness in either one or both eyes is the most feared concern about this disease . In addition to a suspicion of the disease based on symptom complaints listed above , certain medical tests may be indicated . A non-invasive ultrasound study of the temporal arteries may suggest the diagnosis . In some patients , a surgical temporal artery biopsy can be performed as an in-office procedure with local anesthesia and may make the diagnosis . Oral steroid medications treat temporal arteritis .