Temporal artery ultrasound Warsaw and Płock
Temporal artery ultrasound is a specialized ultrasound examination helpful in diagnosing inflammatory vascular diseases, particularly when giant cell arteritis is suspected. The examination allows assessment of the temporal arteries, their wall, and blood flow.
At OpenMed Medical Centre, we perform temporal artery ultrasound in Warsaw and Płock. The examination is non-invasive, painless, and requires no special preparation.
When is it worth having a temporal artery ultrasound?
Temporal artery ultrasound can be helpful in patients who have symptoms suggesting vascular inflammation in the head and neck area.
Indications for the examination may include, among others:
- a new or unusual headache, particularly after the age of 50,
- scalp tenderness or pain in the temple area,
- jaw pain while chewing,
- vision disturbances or transient deterioration of vision,
- elevated inflammatory markers, such as ESR or CRP,
- suspected giant cell arteritis,
- a referral from a rheumatologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, or family doctor.
The examination can be an important element of diagnosis, but its result should always be interpreted together with the patient's symptoms, laboratory test results, and the assessment of the attending physician.
What does temporal artery ultrasound show?
During the examination, the course of the temporal arteries, the thickness of the vessel wall, and blood flow are assessed. If arteritis is suspected, the doctor pays attention to features that may suggest swelling or thickening of the vessel wall.
Temporal artery ultrasound can support the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis, but it does not replace a specialist consultation. Depending on the symptoms, the patient may require further rheumatological, neurological, or ophthalmological assessment.
What does the examination involve?
The examination is performed using an ultrasound probe applied to the temple area on both sides of the head. The doctor uses ultrasound gel, which makes it easier to obtain an image of the vessels. Temporal artery ultrasound usually takes a dozen or so minutes. It is painless, does not require contrast administration, and does not involve radiation.
How to prepare for a temporal artery ultrasound?
The examination requires no special preparation. There is no need to fast.
It is worth bringing with you:
- test results, especially ESR, CRP, and complete blood count,
- previous medical records,
- reports from rheumatological, neurological, or ophthalmological consultations,
- a list of medications taken.
If the patient is already being treated for suspected arteritis, it is worth informing the person performing the examination.
Temporal artery ultrasound Warsaw Wola
We perform temporal artery ultrasound in Warsaw at the OpenMed Medical Centre at ul. Wschowska 8 in Wola. This is a convenient location for patients from Warsaw, particularly from Wola, Bemowo, Ochota, Śródmieście, and neighbouring districts. Patient parking is available.
Temporal artery ultrasound Płock
Temporal artery ultrasound is also available at the OpenMed centre in Płock at ul. Medyczna 8. Patients from Płock and nearby towns can take advantage of the consultations and diagnostics.
Temporal artery ultrasound - FAQ
No. The examination is painless and non-invasive.
No special preparation is required. However, it is worth bringing current test results and medical records.
The examination usually takes a dozen or so minutes.
Ultrasound can show features suggesting arteritis, but the result should be assessed together with the patient's symptoms and laboratory tests.
At a private facility, a referral is not required, but it is worth having one if the examination was recommended by your attending physician.