Facial Pain – Temporal (Giant Cell) Arteritis

Mrs X had recently retired from work and was looking forwards to her new life. She had always been well and was surprised to start getting dull aching over both temples. She also felt ‘washed-out’. Chewing made the pain worse and this was especially noticeable in the muscles that moved the jaw. After a while there was also tenderness when the temples were touched.

An Oral Medicine specialist opinion was asked for. From the history and examination a working diagnosis of Temporal (Giant Cell Arteritis) was made. This was confirmed by investigations. Treatment was started promptly and the symptoms soon settled. Gradually, over time the treatment was reduced and eventually withdrawn.