My grandmother has a pounding headache and this vessel on her temple is bulging and tender. She says her jaw hurts when she eats. The ER wait is awful right now. Is this an emergency? — Page 9

8. Why Steroids Are Often Started Immediately—Even Before All Tests Are Back

In cases where temporal arteritis is strongly suspected, doctors often start treatment with high-dose corticosteroids immediately, even before all test results are available. The primary goal is to quickly reduce inflammation and prevent complications, such as vision loss.

Starting steroids early can significantly improve outcomes and help alleviate symptoms, while further diagnostic tests are conducted to confirm the diagnosis. The rapid initiation of treatment is a critical aspect of managing temporal arteritis effectively.