My grandmother has a pounding headache and this vessel on her temple is bulging and tender. She says her jaw hurts when she eats. The ER wait is awful right now. Is this an emergency? — Page 3

2. What Temporal (Giant Cell) Arteritis Is And Why It’s So Dangerous

Temporal arteritis is an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels that often affects the large and medium-sized arteries of the head. It is most common in individuals over the age of 50, with a higher prevalence in women than men. The inflammation can cause narrowing or blockage of the affected arteries, leading to reduced blood flow.

If left untreated, temporal arteritis can result in serious complications, including permanent vision loss, stroke, or aneurysm. The condition is considered a medical emergency because timely intervention can prevent these severe outcomes. The exact cause of temporal arteritis is not well understood, but it is believed to involve both genetic and environmental factors.

3. The Red-Flag Symptoms You Must Never Ignore

Certain symptoms should never be ignored, as they can signal a serious underlying medical condition. In the case of temporal arteritis, these include a new, severe headache, scalp tenderness, visible swelling or bulging of the temporal arteries, and jaw pain that worsens with chewing.