Temporomandibular joint pain as a manifestation of temporal arteritis

We have described a patient whose temporal arteritis had several unusual manifestations. Except for a number of systemic complaints of longer duration, her predominant symptom was that of temporomandibular joint pain. Subsequent to the development of acute visual loss, her fundi remained normal, suggesting a posterior neuropathy. A high index of suspicion and meticulous history and physical examination should lead to early identification of temporal arteritis so that treatment can be instituted before permanent visual loss occurs.