How does temporal arteritis develop?
The cause of temporal arteritis is unknown. It is clear, however, that the immune system plays a critical role in the tissue damage caused by the disease. In temporal arteritis the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body, causing inflammation to develop in the blood vessels. Inflammation in blood vessel and artery walls leads to narrowing of the vessels. The blood vessels become leaky or clogged, disrupting blood flow to nerves, organs and other parts of the body. Inadequate blood supply to a particular tissue or organ can result in permanent damage such as such as loss of pulse points, pulmonary failure and blindness. Any organ or combination of organs in the body can be affected. What are the symptoms of temporal arteritis? The symptoms of this disease vary, depending on which arteries are affected. Typically, temporal arteritis afflicts the large arteries to the head, resulting in a severe headache that develops suddenly at the temples or back of the head. The blood v
