Treatment is similar to the treatment of migraine headache, and steroids and other medications may be needed as well. This is an immune disorder where medium sized arteries becomes tender and inflamed. This artery is commonly involved, and the headache associated with this is a constant, throbbing pain in the temples. Visual symptoms occur due to a loss of blood supply to the optic nerve, or due to a loss of retinal blood supply. Diagnosis, however, is made by taking a biopsy of the temporal artery.
Steroids can treat the condition, and the vision is the unaffected eye can often be saved.
Untreated, temporal arteritis can often cause visual loss in both eyes. For more information about ischemic optic neuropathy and temporal arteritis, visit the University of Iowa Ophthalmology website. The eye socket, or orbit, is surrounded by sinuses, except on the outside wall. Infection of the sinuses can lead to pain over the affected area, often radiating to the eye and face. The headache is usually dull, aching, and throbbing.