Temporal Arteritis: Diagnosis

A diagnosis of temporal arteritis is based largely on symptoms and a physical examination. The exam may reveal that the temporal artery is inflamed and tender to the touch, and that it has a reduced pulse.

Your doctor may order a temporal artery biopsy. In this procedure, a small section of the artery is removed through an incision in the skin over the temple area and examined under a microscope. A biopsy that is positive for giant cell arteritis will show abnormal cells in the artery walls.

This information has been adapted from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.