What is the treatment protocol for temporal arteritis?

The treatment protocol for temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, primarily involves the use of corticosteroids due to the condition’s inflammatory nature and the risk of vision loss if not treated promptly. Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are typically administered to reduce inflammation in the affected arteries. In cases where there is a significant risk of complications, such as sudden vision loss or when symptoms are severe, intravenous methylprednisolone may be used for a more immediate effect.

The urgency in treating temporal arteritis stems from its potential complications, including vision problems and other vascular issues, which can arise from delayed treatment. Starting corticosteroids promptly is crucial to managing symptoms effectively and preventing serious complications.

Other treatment modalities, such as topical anti-inflammatory medications, are not effective for this type of systemic vasculitis, and immediate surgical intervention is generally reserved for cases where there's concern about aneurysms or other structural issues, which is not typical in standard presentations of temporal arteritis. Additionally, although acupuncture and other alternative therapies may provide symptom relief for some conditions, they are not recognized as appropriate treatments for the serious inflammatory processes involved in temporal arteritis.