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Swelling and irritation in the arteries in the temples. This condition also is called giant cell arteritis.

Giant cell arteritis most often affects the arteries in the head, mainly those in the temples. If not treated, giant cell arteritis can lead to blindness. Fast treatment may relieve symptoms and prevent loss of vision.

Symptoms include headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, blurred or double vision, and sudden loss of vision in one eye. Head pain can keep getting worse, can come and go, or can stop for a time.

The condition needs prompt treatment with corticosteroid medicines to prevent lasting vision loss.