DIAGNOSIS
Your physician will examine you and inquire regarding your symptoms. They will also search for puffiness and a weak pulse in your scalp’s temporal artery. Moreover, a biopsy of the temporal artery may be required. If this is the case, your physician will sedate a region of your scalp before removing a tiny bit of the temporal artery and examining it under a microscope.
Your physician may also perform one or more of the following:
- MRI scan. Radio waves and strong magnets are employed to create explicit photographs of your arteries.
- CT scan. Several X-rays from various angles are combined to provide additional information regarding your arteries.
- Blood test. A sample is obtained to examine your body for symptoms of inflammation.
TREATMENT
If you have cranial arteritis, your physician will immediately put you on medication to avoid vision problems and other complications, such as high doses of steroids, like prednisone, to decrease inflammation in the arteries. You will take this drug orally every day.
Furthermore, most individuals use steroids for 1 to 2 years. Your physician might also do blood tests to evaluate whether the swelling in your arteries has decreased. As time passes, your physician will reduce the dosage of your medication.
However, since these drugs could damage your bones, they may advise you to get frequent bone mineral density testing. To reduce or prevent bone deterioration, your doctor may recommend vitamin D, calcium supplements, and a prescription medicine known as a bisphosphonate.
