• Reference Number: HEY1449-2024
• Departments: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Last Updated: 1 January 2024

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your procedure. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor, but may act as a starting point for discussion.   If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

What is a temporal artery biopsy?

A temporal artery biopsy is a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic where a small sample of an artery is taken (the temporal artery, or a branch of it) from the side of the head, just above your ear. This is then looked at under the microscope by a pathologist to see is there is evidence of inflammation.

This type of biopsy is requested due to a suspicion of a condition called Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). This condition causes inflammation of medium-sized arteries including the temporal artery on the side of the head and causes symptoms such as headaches, shoulder and jaw stiffness, tenderness of the scalp, blurring of vision, and if left untreated can cause blindness.

Why do I need a temporal artery biopsy?

The temporal artery biopsy will help your medical team decide whether or not you have GCA. The results of the biopsy will help determine what medication is required and for how long. The medical team may have already started you on medication such as steroids if their suspicion you have GCA is high and they may decide to continue the medication even if the biopsy is negative.

Can there be any complications or risks?

The risks of a temporal artery biopsy are as follows:

Common

• Pain/soreness around biopsy site (temporary)
• Swelling and bruising (temporary)
• Scarring (often hidden in a skin fold or within the hairline)

Uncommon

• Wound infection (may require a course of antibiotics)
• Non-diagnostic result

Rare

• Nerve injury (temporary or permanent numbness or weakness to the side of the face)
• Ulceration of the scalp

How do I prepare for the temporal artery biopsy?

Please read the information leaflet.  Share the information it contains with your partner and family (if you wish) so that they can be of help and support.  There may be information they need to know, especially if they are taking care of you following this examination. 

You will be provided with specific instructions regarding medication adjustment (if required). Otherwise, you can eat and drink as normal prior to and after the procedure.

What will happen?

Anaesthesia:

• The procedure will take place in a theatre setting under local anaesthetic.
• The local anaesthetic will numb the area around the biopsy site to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.

Incision:

• A small incision will be made over the temporal artery and the surgeon will remove a small section of the artery for the biopsy. See photo below.

What happens afterwards?

Following the procedure, it is important to adhere to the following instructions:

• Keep the biopsy site clean and dry.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for 2 to 3 days.
• You may be given an antibiotic ointment to apply to the wound for 7 days.
• Take any prescribed medication as directed.
• If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection then seek medical attention of the Oral and Maxillofacial team via the hospital switchboard on tel: 01482 875785 and ask for “bleep 128”.

The results of the biopsy will be forwarded directly to your referring clinician.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Oral and Maxillofacial Department Secretaries on tel: 01482 623059.