Temporal Artery Ligation

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in temporal artery ligation. There are a few pics of how it looks just about everyday when I exercise it gets about 3-4 times worse and throbs rapidly. I went to the doctors and they said that its common and since I’m a big guy at 6’4 and 240 lbs that it’s not uncommon and there really is no treatment. When researching online it suggests prednisone in a large dose along with other things. I’m not sure if I should seek another doctor opinion or if prednisone is something that is going to help with it.The arteries being prominent drive me a bit crazy I know they are super noticeable and I get a comment here and there about them which is frustrating to say the least. How much does surgery cost? And would it be wise to try out the prednisone if I can find a doctor who thinks that would help.

A: Your prominent temporal arteries show a very classic pattern along the squiggly pattern of the anterior branch of the temporal artery. I have not heard of using steroids for reducing the appearance of prominent temporal arteries. That is the type of treatment for temporal arteritis but that is not what you have. The only successful treatment for their reduction in  multiple point ligation. That is a procedure done under local anesthesia in the office. I will have my assistant pass along the cost of the surgery to you on Monday.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana