Physical Exam

Temporal Artery Palpation

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Locate the temporal artery just anterior to the ear, above the zygomatic arch, and palpate it gently with one or two fingertips. Follow its course over the temple, comparing the two sides, and note the pulse and the character of the vessel wall — its prominence, any thickening or nodularity, and any tenderness.

How to Interpret

Giant Cell Arteritis

Beaded temporal artery (knotty/irregular, bead-like contour on palpation)

Rule in

Somewhat helpful

Rule out

—

Evidence:Strong

Diminished or absent temporal artery pulse on palpation

Rule in

Somewhat helpful

Rule out

—

Evidence:Strong

Prominent or enlarged temporal artery on palpation/inspection

Rule in

Somewhat helpful

Rule out

—

Evidence:Strong

Temporal artery tenderness on palpation

Rule in

Somewhat helpful

Rule out

—

Evidence:Strong

Thickened or hardened temporal artery (cord-like) on palpation

Rule in

Somewhat helpful

Rule out

—

Evidence:Strong

References

Smetana GW, Shmerling RH. Does this patient have temporal arteritis? JAMA. 2002;287(1):92-101. doi:10.1001/jama.287.1.92. PMID: 11754714.
van der Geest KSM, Sandovici M, Brouwer E, Mackie SL. Diagnostic accuracy of symptoms, physical signs, and laboratory tests for giant cell arteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2020;180(10):1295-1304. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.3050. PMID: 32804186.
Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.