Temporal Artery Biopsy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about a temporal artery biopsy (TAB):
TAB is a procedure used to diagnose temporal arteritis. Temporal arteritis, or giant cell arteritis, is damage and inflammation to a certain artery. This artery supplies blood to your head, neck, shoulders, and upper arms. This artery runs along the hairline at the front of your ear and up into your scalp.
How to prepare for TAB:
Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for the biopsy. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you.
What will happen during TAB:
You will be given local anesthesia to numb the area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure, but you should not feel any pain. A small area of your hair may be cut short to reach your skin. Sterile sheets will be used to cover part of your head for your procedure. Your provider will feel for your temporal artery pulse and make a small incision. Several samples of your artery will be taken and examined. Your provider will use stitches to repair your artery and close your incision. A bandage may be applied to stop any bleeding.
What will happen after TAB:
You may be given an antibiotic cream or pill to prevent infection. Your artery will take several days to completely heal from the procedure. Do not play any sports or do heavy lifting during this time.
Risks of TAB:
You may bleed more than expected or develop an infection. Your incision area may heal more slowly than you expect. You may have a scar at the incision site. There is also a rare risk of facial nerve damage after the biopsy.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
Seek immediate care if:
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
Call your doctor if:
- You have redness or swelling at the incision site.
- You have pus draining from your incision.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Steroids may help decrease inflammation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for the area as directed:
- Wash your hair carefully when your healthcare provider says it is okay. Do not scrub the area. Let the water run over it and gently dry the area. Do not use hair products or lotions over the area. Check the area every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus.
- Apply ice to your temple for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to return to have your stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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