Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. Temporal arteritis is a rare cause of headache but very serious. While CT scan does not help on the diagnosis, TA it is releated with an increase in ESR rate. I suppose your doctor suspects TA after has palpated on your temporal artery. So I recommend the biopsy because it will definitly make the diagnosis (or rule it out) I would exclude the alcohol history in your ear causing TA, but if it had damaged any structures in the middle ear, leading to a infection, this would be visible on CT Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions. Wishing you good health.