What are some treatments for temporal arteritis?

Some treatments for temporal arteritis include corticosteroid therapy, bone strengthening and the administration of immunosuppressants, according to MedlinePlus. The course of treatment spans one to two years, but doctors warn of the possibility of temporal arteritis reoccurring after such treatments.

Corticosteroids reduce the inflammation of the arteries that causes tenderness and swelling of the head. The addition of vitamin D and calcium supplements, along with the introduction of weight-bearing exercises and elimination of smoking, protects the bones against the prolonged effects of corticosteroid use, notes Healthline. Immunosuppressants repress the body's natural ability to fight infection, which also results in inflammation.