Temporal Artery Biopsy

A temporal artery biopsy can assist doctors determine if you have a condition called giant cell arteritis. Sunnybank Surgical’s experienced surgeons perform temporal artery biopsy as a highly effective test to correctly diagnose and plan appropriate treatment for this condition.

What is a temporal artery biopsy?

Giant cell arteritis refers to the condition that causes inflammation of the wall of the blood vessels in the scalp. It is more common as you get older and usually affects people over 50 years. A temporal artery biopsy involves the removal of a sample from your scalp so that giant cell arteritis can be diagnosed or ruled out.  

Giant cell arteritis can cause sudden blindness in either one or both of your eyes. Other rare complications include double vision, stroke and aneurisms. The signs and symptoms of giant cell arteritis include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, pain around the temples, vision problems or jaw cramps.

Why should I have a temporal artery biopsy?

It is important for doctors to correctly diagnose giant cell arteritis which can cause blindness or be life threatening in some instances. Sometimes a blood test or an ultrasound of the head and neck can assist, but a temporal artery biopsy is the most conclusive way to confirm or rule out giant cell arteritis. It also helps doctors to understand what medication is needed to manage your condition long term.

What is involved in temporal artery biopsy?

A temporal artery biopsy involves removing a sample from your scalp. This sample will contain a portion of one of the temporal arteries in your scalp. Once removed, this allows your surgeon to see whether the artery is inflamed and if so, confirm the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis.

Temporal artery surgery is undertaken using local anaesthetic, meaning that you will be awake but that the area will be completely numb. The procedure usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Your surgeon will mark out the area before the skin is cleaned and local anaesthetic is applied. Once the artery is located, each end of it will be tied using surgical thread to prevent bleeding. Stitches and a dressing are then applied to the area and the sample is sent off for assessment.

What are the risks of temporal artery biopsy?

Side effects from a temporal artery biopsy are not common, but as with any surgery there is a small risk of infection and scarring to the area which is usually hidden in the hairline. Your surgeon will discuss all the surgical risks with you prior to your procedure.

What is the recovery from temporal artery biopsy?  

A temporal artery biopsy is a straightforward procedure that is undertaken using local anaesthetic. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for several days while your wound heals. Mild pain medication can help ease any discomfort. You will be provided with aftercare instructions for how to manage your wound and prevent infection.

If your GP or consulting doctors recommend that you have a temporal artery biopsy to test for giant cell arteritis, you can request that the operation is done by one of the experienced surgeons from Sunnybank Surgical at your preferred hospital.  

The test can be arranged quickly with a referral from your GP and performed at one of three convenient locations: Sunnybank Private Hospital, Mater Private Hospital Redlands and Mater Private Hospital South Brisbane.