$Unique_ID{BRK00166}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is Temper Arthritis?}
$Subject{arteritis temporal treatment Circulatory System Temper Arthritis
arteries artery aorta temples autoimmune reaction headache throbbing ocular
visual loss sed rate temple headaches circulation}
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Where Headaches Originate II*0004002.scf
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is Temper Arthritis?


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QUESTION:  I am confused.  My doctor told me I have temper arthritis, and I
worry all the time.  What is this disease, what kind of treatments are
available?  What should I do?  Please help.

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ANSWER:  I'll try.  First let us straighten out the name of you affliction.
It is "temporal arteritis" and has nothing to do with either your temper or
arthritis.  It is a chronic, generalized disease that affects arteries that
branch off the main artery (or aorta).  It is seen most often in the arteries
that pass to the temples and back of our head.  It occurs after the age of 50,
and is seen even more frequently in patients over the age of 80.  No one
really knows its exact cause, but many physicians believe that an autoimmune
reaction is involved.  It can start with a flu-like syndrome with low-grade
fever, aches and pains, weakness and loss of appetite.  There usually is a
typical headache, severe and throbbing in the area of the temple, and the
artery itself may be tender to the touch.  About half the patients have ocular
symptoms, and 40% have visual loss, and treatment should start at once to
prevent permanent damage.  Your physician has probably already given you
either an injection or prescription for a corticosteroid (cortisone-like
medicine) which you must take regularly and for as long as 2 to 4 weeks.  A
laboratory test called a sed rate will be used to monitor the effects of the
medicine and the progress of the disease.  Although the results of this test
are high in the beginning, the findings will become lower as the disease is
controlled, and medication dosages will be gradually reduced over time.  Your
physician will keep checking you on a regular basis, and you must follow all
instructions carefully and fully, not merely because he says so, but because
it really is best for you.  And your worries may disappear along with your
symptoms as the medicine takes affect and you get better.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.