My grandmother has a pounding headache and this vessel on her temple is bulging and tender. She says her jaw hurts when she eats. The ER wait is awful right now. Is this an emergency?

Certain symptoms should never be ignored, as they can signal a serious underlying medical condition. In the case of temporal arteritis, these include a new, severe headache, scalp tenderness, visible swelling or bulging of the temporal arteries, and jaw pain that worsens with chewing.

Other symptoms that may accompany temporal arteritis include fever, fatigue, weight loss, and muscle aches. If your loved one experiences any combination of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical evaluation immediately. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications.