What is the initial treatment for temporal arteritis to prevent ocular involvement?

The initial treatment for temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis, is high-dose prednisolone. This treatment is critical in preventing complications, particularly ocular involvement, which can lead to permanent vision loss. Temporal arteritis often presents with symptoms such as headaches, scalp tenderness, and jaw claudication.

High-dose corticosteroids are necessary because temporal arteritis is an inflammatory condition that can rapidly progress. The use of high doses of steroids is aimed at quickly reducing inflammation of the temporal arteries and returning blood flow to normal, thereby minimizing the risk of ischemic damage to the optic nerve.

Other options, such as low-dose corticosteroids, may not be effective in the urgent treatment required for this condition, as they would not sufficiently address the inflammation in a timely manner. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) could help alleviate pain but are inadequate to combat the severe inflammation associated with temporal arteritis. Immunosuppressants are generally not first-line treatments for this condition and are used in other scenarios where corticosteroids are not appropriate.

Therefore, the use of high-dose prednisolone is a key component in the management of temporal arteritis to swiftly control inflammation and safeguard against the risk of eyesight complications.