Temporal (Giant Cell) Arteritis is a vasculitis of large and medium size vessels. It may be generalized but vessel inflammation most frequently involves vessels in the scalp and head, especially the arteries over the temples. The disease is called temporal arteritis because the temporal arteries, which course along the sides of the head just in front of the ears often become inflamed. Women, Caucasians, and individuals over 50 years of age are most commonly affected by GCA. Less