Definition

Noun: A medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the temporal arteries, which are blood vessels located on the sides of the head. This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as headaches, pain while chewing, and, in some cases, vision problems.

Usage

This term is used specifically in medical contexts to diagnose and describe a particular type of vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation). * The patient's severe headache and jaw pain led the doctor to suspect temporal arteritis. * A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of temporal arteritis. * Temporal arteritis requires prompt treatment to prevent complications like vision loss.

Advanced Usage

• Giant cell arteritis: This is the more formal medical synonym for temporal arteritis, referring to the characteristic giant cells found in the inflamed artery walls.
  • Temporal arteritis is also known as giant cell arteritis.

Variants and Related Words

• Arteritis (n): A general term for inflammation of an artery or arteries.
• Vasculitis (n): Inflammation of blood vessels, which is the broader category of disease that includes temporal arteritis.

Synonyms

• Giant cell arteritis
• Cranial arteritis

Related Phrases

• Polymyalgia rheumatica: A related inflammatory condition that often occurs alongside temporal arteritis, causing muscle pain and stiffness.
  • The patient was diagnosed with both polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis.

Noun

1. inflammation of the temporal arteries; characterized by headaches and difficulty chewing and (sometimes) visual impairment