Prognosis and duration of disabling effects
Temporal Arteritis normally improves dramatically with treatment, so care and mobility needs may only be present for a few weeks at the most, though steroid treatment is likely to need to continue for at least 2 years.
The only disabling effects would be from vascular complications, such as complete or partial loss of vision or stroke.
Also, bearing in mind the side-effects of long-term steroid use, there may be associated problems (such as osteoporosis, weight gain, diabetes and high blood pressure) so the maintenance dose should be kept as low as possible.
Also osteoporosis prevention medication should be used, usually calcium and vitamin D and a biphosphonate.
Sudden blindness may be permanent and if a stroke (rarely) occurs, there will not be likely to be improvement after 2 years.
All information must be taken into account when considering the duration of disabling effects and the duration of disabling effects must be based on the particular circumstances of the individual claimant.
Amended April 2011
