Temporal artery biopsy is a procedure performed to obtain a small sample of tissue from the temporal artery, which runs along the side of the head. This procedure is often used to diagnose giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory condition that affects the blood vessels, particularly in older adults. The biopsy helps to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions, as untreated giant cell arteritis can lead to blindness or stroke.

Temporal artery biopsy is a key diagnostic tool in identifying conditions that cause inflammation of the arteries, allowing for early intervention and prevention of severe complications.