Temporal Artery Biopsy

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA or Temporal Arteritis) is a condition which causes inflammation of the large arteries. This inflammation can block the normal flow of blood in your body and face leading to tissue death and pain. This disease often effects elderly people and causes headaches, soreness around the temples, and headaches. If left untreated, this condition can ultimately affect one’s vision.

Certain blood tests can help diagnose this inflammation, but it is typically diagnosed with a biopsy of the inflamed vessel. Usually, the surgeon makes a small incision on the scalp above the ear and sends the tissue to a lab to be further analyzed.

Dr. Neel Kumar can perform this biopsy to help ensure patients receive an appropriate evaluation and coordinated treatment plan with other physicians.

Meet Dr. Kumar

Neel Kumar, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon and aesthetic specialist at Triad Eye Institute in Tulsa, OK.

Dr. Kumar completed his fellowship training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, orbit, and lacrimal system at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL and the Duke Eye Hospital in Durham, NC.

He performs a variety of oculoplastic and reconstructive procedures, including ptosis repair, upper and lower blepharoplasty, cancer reconstruction, tear duct surgery, cosmetic injections and more.