What Effect This Will Have If The Diagnosis Is Incorrect And It Is Actually Temporal Arteritis?

Posted on Mon, 3 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 3 Aug 2020 Answered on

Fri, 8 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I m 82 and during my 70's I was diagnosed with Temporal Arteritis after innumerable tests in hosptal then given a course of prednisone. Last week I had what I thought were the same symptoms but after just a blood test and CT scan the hosptal doctor diagnosed it as Trigeminal Neuralgia. I am still not convinced this was correct as I had no facial pain, just terrible pain in my head in temporal region. I have been given carbamazapine and am concerned what effect this will have if the diagnosis is incorrect and it is actually temporal arteritis?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Your concerns are genuine.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I am Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and would try my best to help you.

I have noted your clinical details, and I agree with your converns.

Regarding your symptoms, they look more like temporal arteritis, rather than trigeminal neurlagia.

For further diagnosis, you can get ESR blood test done, which is usually elevated in temporal arteritis. A colour doppler scan would also help in the diagnosis. Only in some cases, a biopsy of temporal artery may be needed.

Regarding carbamazepine, there is no need to worry. It is safe drug and may cause relief in symptoms, as it helps in relieving pain of neural origin. The bigger concern is if temporal arteritis is not diagnosed (and therefore not treated), there is a risk of losing eye-sight.

I sincerely hope my reply has helped you.

I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (0 minute later)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (3 hours later)

Many thanks Doctor, that has relieved my mind somewhat. Yes, I also was concerned about my sight. I have an appointment with my optometrist who will be told the whole story and judge whether I may need an opthalmologist. He will then send his report to my doctor, who will then refer me back to my eye specialist. I had an appointment in April for the eye specialist for just a check up and I cancelled it because of Covid19. I did phone them but they cannot see me until October, however, are willing to fit me in if the optometrist report finds it necessary.

I will be weaned from the Carbamazapine soon and have phoned my doctor who will be back from holidays by then. I presume he will send me for those other tests you mentioned if he is not satisfied, especially if the symptoms return.

Once again many thanks.

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (0 minute later)

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hope it will get sorted out soon.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back with more information.

I am glad to note that your doctor would be back from holidays and you would get evaluated by him.

I also hope your eye check is normal.

I hope it gets sorted out fast.

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (0 minute later)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar