What causes temporal arteritis?
The exact cause of temporal arteritis is not known. The following are possible causes or conditions that may increase your chance of having temporal arteritis: • Age: Advanced age, particularly in people older than 50 years old. • Genetics: Temporal arteritis is more likely to occur if another family member also has temporal arteritis. • Infections: Infections caused by germs, such as viruses, parasites, or bacteria. • Immune system: The immune system is the part of your body that fights infection. Problems with the immune system sometimes makes your body attack its own cells. These problems may include rheumatoid arthritis (RA). What are the signs and symptoms of temporal arteritis? Headache is the most common symptom of temporal arteritis. This may be felt as severe and throbbing pain in one or both of your temples (sides of the head). Your temporal arteries may also be enlarged or bulging. You may also have any of the following: • Fever, cough, and body discomfort or weakness. • Jaw
