New-Onset Headaches in Seniors: When to Screen for Temporal Arteritis

A new headache in someone over the age of 50 deserves careful attention. While many headaches are harmless, certain causes become more likely with age and should not be overlooked. One of the most important—and treatable—conditions to consider is temporal arteritis, also called giant cell arteritis (GCA).

This article explains when and why doctors screen for temporal arteritis in older adults with new headaches, what warning signs to watch for, and what steps to take next. The goal is to inform and empower you—without causing unnecessary worry—so you know when to seek timely medical care.

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Why a New Headache in Seniors Is Different

Headaches are common at all ages, but the meaning of a new-onset headache changes as we get older.

• In younger adults, headaches are most often primary headaches, such as migraine or tension-type headache.
• In adults over 50, a new headache is more likely to be linked to an underlying medical condition.

Because of this shift, doctors are trained to be more cautious with new headaches in seniors. Temporal arteritis is one of the key conditions they aim to rule out because early treatment can prevent serious complications.

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What Is Temporal Arteritis?

Temporal arteritis is an inflammatory disease of medium and large arteries, especially those that supply the head and eyes. The temporal arteries, located at the sides of the head near the temples, are commonly affected.

Key points about temporal arteritis:

• It typically affects adults over age 50
• It is more common in women than men
• It is considered a medical urgency, not an emergency
• With prompt treatment, outcomes are usually very good

This condition is well recognized by medical societies such as rheumatology and neurology organizations and is taught as a “must not miss” diagnosis in older adults with headache.

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How Temporal Arteritis Causes Headache

The headache associated with temporal arteritis is caused by inflammation of blood vessel walls, which reduces blood flow and irritates surrounding tissues.

Common headache features include:

• New and persistent headache
• Pain often felt at the temples, but it can be elsewhere
• Scalp tenderness (for example, pain when combing hair or resting the head on a pillow)
• Headache that does not feel like past headaches

Importantly, the headache may start gradually and worsen over days or weeks, which can make it easy to dismiss at first.

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When Should Temporal Arteritis Be Suspected?

Doctors consider screening for temporal arteritis when a new headache appears after age 50, especially when other symptoms are present.

Red flags that raise concern include:

• New headache in someone over 50
• Jaw pain when chewing (called jaw claudication)
• Scalp tenderness
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Fever or flu-like symptoms without a clear cause
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vision changes (blurred vision, double vision, or brief vision loss)

Not everyone has all these symptoms. Some people only notice a persistent headache and general feeling of being unwell.

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Why Early Screening Matters

Temporal arteritis is serious because it can affect blood flow to the eyes. If untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss, sometimes quite suddenly.

The good news:

• Vision loss is often preventable with early diagnosis
• Treatment is effective and widely available
• Most people respond well once therapy begins

This is why doctors do not “wait and see” if temporal arteritis is suspected. Screening is about being safe, not alarmist.

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How Doctors Screen for Temporal Arteritis

Screening usually involves a combination of medical history, physical exam, and simple tests.

Common steps include:

• Detailed history
  • Onset and pattern of the headache
  • Associated symptoms like jaw pain or vision changes
• Physical examination
  • Checking the temples for tenderness or reduced pulse
  • Assessing vision and eye movements
• Blood tests
  • Markers of inflammation such as ESR and CRP
• Imaging or biopsy (in some cases)
  • Ultrasound or other imaging of the temporal arteries
  • Temporal artery biopsy when needed for confirmation

Not every patient needs every test. Doctors tailor the evaluation to the individual.

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Treatment and Outlook

If temporal arteritis is suspected, doctors often start treatment right away, even before all tests are complete.

Typical treatment includes:

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Gradual dose adjustments over time
• Monitoring for side effects and symptom improvement

Most people notice improvement in headache and other symptoms within days. Long-term follow-up helps ensure the condition stays under control.

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Other Causes of New Headache in Seniors

It’s important to remember that most new headaches in older adults are not temporal arteritis. Other common causes include:

• Tension-type headache
• Medication side effects
• Sinus disease
• High blood pressure
• Cervical spine (neck) problems

This is why proper evaluation matters. Screening helps rule out serious causes while identifying more common, manageable ones.

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When to Seek Medical Care

You should speak to a doctor promptly if you or a loved one over 50 experiences:

• A new or unusual headache
• Headache with vision changes
• Headache with jaw pain when chewing
• Headache with fever or unexplained weight loss

These symptoms do not mean something dangerous is happening—but they do mean a medical check is important.

If symptoms feel severe, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening, seek urgent medical care immediately.

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Using Symptom Tools Wisely

If you are unsure how concerning your headache symptoms might be, you may consider doing a free, online symptom check for Medically approved LLM Symptom Checker Chat Bot. This can help you organize your symptoms and decide what questions to bring to your doctor.

Symptom checkers are not a diagnosis, but they can support better conversations with healthcare professionals.

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Key Takeaways

• A new headache after age 50 should always be taken seriously
• Temporal arteritis is an important cause doctors aim to rule out
• Early screening can prevent serious complications like vision loss
• Most people do very well with prompt treatment
• Always speak to a doctor about headaches that are new, persistent, or concerning

Listening to your body and seeking timely medical advice is not about overreacting—it’s about staying informed and protecting your health.