What causes temporal arteritis?

Temporal arteritis is caused by immune system dysfunction where the body's defense mechanisms mistakenly attack the lining of arteries, particularly those in the head and temples. This autoimmune response triggers inflammation that causes the arterial walls to swell and thicken, reducing blood flow. While the exact trigger remains unknown, genetic factors and environmental influences likely play a role in activating this abnormal immune response in people over 50.

What is the best test for temporal arteritis?

The Sedimentation Rate Modified Westergren test is the most important blood test for temporal arteritis because it measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube, which directly reflects inflammation levels in your body. In temporal arteritis, the ESR is typically markedly elevated, often above 50 mm/hr and sometimes exceeding 100 mm/hr. While this test does not diagnose temporal arteritis by itself, an elevated ESR combined with symptoms like temple headaches and vision changes strongly supports the diagnosis and helps your doctor monitor how well treatment is working.

When should I get tested for temporal arteritis?

You should get tested if you are over 50 and experience new, persistent headaches in your temples, sudden vision problems or double vision, scalp tenderness when brushing your hair, or jaw pain when chewing. You should also seek testing immediately if you have unexplained fever, fatigue, and weight loss combined with any head or vision symptoms, as temporal arteritis can cause permanent vision loss if untreated. Early testing is critical because prompt treatment with steroids can prevent serious complications.

What are the symptoms of temporal arteritis?

The most common symptoms include severe, throbbing headaches on one or both sides of the head, particularly in the temple area, along with scalp tenderness that makes it painful to touch or brush your hair. You might notice vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, or sudden vision loss in one eye. Other symptoms include jaw pain or cramping when chewing, unexplained fever, fatigue, unintended weight loss, and aching in your shoulders, neck, or hips.

Who is at risk for temporal arteritis?

Temporal arteritis primarily affects people over age 50, with the highest risk in those between 70 and 80 years old. Women are about two to three times more likely to develop the condition than men. People of Northern European or Scandinavian descent have higher rates of temporal arteritis. Having polymyalgia rheumatica, a related inflammatory condition causing muscle pain and stiffness, significantly increases your risk of developing temporal arteritis.

What happens if temporal arteritis is left untreated?

Untreated temporal arteritis can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness, which occurs in about 15 to 20 percent of untreated cases when inflammation blocks blood flow to the optic nerve. The reduced blood flow can also cause stroke if arteries supplying the brain are affected. You may develop aortic aneurysm, a dangerous weakening and bulging of the body's main artery that can rupture. These serious complications make early diagnosis and treatment with corticosteroids absolutely essential.

Can temporal arteritis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose temporal arteritis, but the Sedimentation Rate test is essential for detecting the inflammation associated with the condition. An elevated ESR strongly supports the diagnosis when combined with your symptoms and physical examination findings. The definitive diagnosis typically requires a temporal artery biopsy, where a small piece of the artery is examined under a microscope to look for characteristic inflammation and giant cells, but blood tests help your doctor decide whether to proceed with biopsy and treatment.

How is temporal arteritis treated?

Temporal arteritis is treated primarily with high-dose corticosteroids, usually prednisone, which must be started immediately to prevent vision loss and other complications. Most people begin feeling better within days of starting treatment, though you will likely need to continue steroids for one to two years, gradually tapering the dose. Your doctor will monitor your ESR and symptoms regularly to adjust your medication and watch for steroid side effects like bone loss, high blood sugar, and increased infection risk. Some people may also receive additional immunosuppressive medications to help reduce steroid doses.

How can I prevent temporal arteritis?

There is no known way to prevent temporal arteritis because its exact cause remains unclear and appears to involve genetic susceptibility combined with unknown environmental triggers. However, if you are over 50, being aware of the symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention when they appear can prevent serious complications. Regular health checkups can help identify inflammatory markers early, and maintaining overall health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking may support your immune system function.

What can I do at home for temporal arteritis?

Once diagnosed and on medication, you can support your treatment by taking corticosteroids exactly as prescribed and never stopping them abruptly without your doctor's guidance. Eat a calcium and vitamin D-rich diet to protect your bones from steroid side effects, and consider working with a physical therapist to maintain muscle strength. Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar regularly since steroids can affect both. Keep a symptom diary to track headaches and vision changes, reporting any worsening immediately to your doctor, as this may signal the need for medication adjustment.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

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Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Temporal Arteritis Blood Test

What is Temporal arteritis?

Temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammatory condition that affects medium and large arteries, particularly those in the temples and head. It is caused by immune system dysfunction that triggers inflammation in the arterial walls, leading to vessel narrowing and potential vision loss. The Sedimentation Rate Modified Westergren test is the most important test for temporal arteritis because it detects elevated inflammation markers in the blood.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com