Temporal Arteritis Compensation Claims

Temporal Arteritis (also known as Giant Cell Arteritis) is a relatively uncommon condition where the medium sized blood vessels around the head and scalp become inflamed. The temporal arteries, found on either side of the forehead, are particularly affected and often become very prominent.

It may be possible to make a compensation claim if temporal arteritis has been mis-diagnosed or treared incorrectly.

If you or your family have been affected by temporal arteritis and it has not been dealt with properly by your doctor, contact us on 0800 054 6512 for a free no obligation conversation or get in touch via our contact form on this page.

We will quickly be able to advise if you have a potential claim.

What Is Temporal Arteritis?

Most people who get Temporal Arteritis (TA) are over the age of 55 and it is most common in the over 75's. Caucasians and women tend to be affected more often. The cause is not really known but it is thought to be some kind of autoimmune reaction where the body attacks its own blood vessels.

The inflamed blood vessels become narrowed, resulting in reduced blood flow, and it is this that gives rise to the classic symptoms of TA. These are - severe headache on one or both sides of the forehead, pain in the sides of the face made worse by chewing and scalp tenderness most apparent when brushing or combing the hair. There may be other symptoms too such as fever, weight loss and generally feeling unwell.

The inflammation can sometimes also affect the blood vessels to the optic nerve in the eye resulting in varying degrees of loss of vision that, if not treated quickly, can become permanent.

In order to confirm a diagnosis of TA certain tests may be performed. These include ESR or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (always very high) and a biopsy of the swollen temporal arteries.

Temporal Arteritis is initially treated with high doses of steroids and most symptoms start to improve within 24hrs. The dose of steroids is then gradually reduced to a maintenance dose that has to be continued for many years.

Sometimes TA is related to other rheumatological conditions, most commonly polymyalgia rheumatica, a condition affecting the shoulders and hip joints.

JMW clinical negligence solicitors offer free initial advice on clinical and medical negligence claims. If you believe that you or any member of your family have a potential claim then let us assess your case. You can rest assure that we will deal with your enquiry without any initial cost or obligation. We are able to deal with cases using public funding (formerly Legal Aid) or no win no fee in appropriate cases.

Call freephone 0800 054 6512 or complete our online enquiry form.