Hello, My Recent CT Scan Showed My Left Superficial Temporal

Posted on Sun, 15 Mar 2020

Question: Hello,
My recent CT scan showed my left superficial temporal artery is larger than my right. It is NOT temporal arteritis. However it’s been very painful and everything else is clear. Why does it hurt so much. It’s daily. I’ve been suffering with it for over 5 years and no one can tell me why it hurts!!!!! can a doctor do a biopsy on the artery anyway to find out why it hurts? I’m so desperate to find out why it’s so painful!! Please help me! Thank you, XXXXXXX

Follow up: Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (12 hours later)

Hello,
Do you know when I can expect an answer?

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could temporal arteritis

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

I am sorry to hear about your troubles. If you have symptoms of temporal arteritis (e.g. pain, chewing claudication, etc) you should get a biopsy. Have you tried steroids on a suspicion of arteritis? Did the CT scan show anything else?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (6 hours later)

Thank you for getting back to me. Everything else on the scan looked clear. Could it be temporal arteritis at my age? This scares me. I have had the pain for a number of years. XXXXXXX

I’m sorry, I’m just so frustrated with the way I feel.

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it could be

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Yes, it could be arteritis. Have you tried corticosteroids for a period? If not, you could try, and if it helps, it would definitely indicate arteritis.
Have you had blood tests for autoimmune disease, e.g. sedimentation rate?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (2 hours later)

I have not had a blood test yet for sedimentation or autoimmune disease but I see the doctor finally tomorrow. I’m at the end of my rope.

Thank you so very much for getting back to me. It means so much!!

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It sounds completely benign

Detailed Answer:
Hi again XXXXXXX

I completely understand your distress. However, considering the CT scan, it is very unlikely that it is something dangerous which is causing your symptoms. Another way to go is to do an MRI, but I am sure your doctor will talk to you about this tomorrow.

Please let me know how it goes. Best wishes.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad