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Suggest Treatment For Bulging Temporal Artery On Right Side Of Forehead

Posted on Thu, 27 Aug 2015

Question: Hello,I'm a 39 year old male,5"11,80kg and physically fit.My issue involves a bulging temporal artery on the right side of my forehead which first arose at the age of 23,is always visible and becomes extremely pronounced when stressed,hot,etc.This causes me much embarrassment,social phobia and depression.I have sought to have it addressed via cosmetic surgery,vascular surgery to no avail.Is there anything I can do to address this issue?I do not wish to be told that this is not a concern on a health level as this is a mental health issue which is extremely debilitating socially.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consult a plastic surgeon

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Vascular development especially superficial is different in person to person. These are more variable in venous vasculature than arterial one.
According to you the superficial temporal artery is the cause of worry.
This vessel is usually subcutaneous and XXXXXXX be visible in thin built person. Excessive prominance especially on exertion, anger , headache is uncommonly found in some people.
As your main concern is cosmetic and not medical you need to consult a good plastic surgeon who can evaluate you regarding feasibility of operating and deposition of vessel more deeply.
You shoukd also be evaluated for hypertension,anemia, cardiac illness and hyperthyroidism which can cause hyperdynamic circulation and abnormal vessel prominance.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (18 hours later)

Hello,I can confirm this to be the superficial temporal artery due to being told so by a plastic surgeon who also pointed out that the vessel has an observable pulse.Interstingly,my father also had the same artery visible in times of stress,heat,etc during his mid-life although not nearly as visible as mine.I am seeing a g.p in the near future to check for hyper dynamic circulation as a result of an underlying issue.Firstly though,I would like to pose a question as to whether having a sudden burst of cold water shower for approximately one minute after a hot shower has perhaps exacerbated the prominence of this vessel somehow.This has been my showering routine for roughly the same time as the artery has been visible.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be due to bathing habits

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Possibility of vascular prominence due to bathing water temperature is less likely.
Genetically the vasculature and facial structure of person resembles to much extent to his parents.
Get investigated for hyperdynamic circulation.
CONSULT plastic surgeon for risk benefit assessment regarding any surgical intervention for the problem.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (38 minutes later)

Will the application of external heat or cold directly to the site or to any area of the body diminish the visibility of the bulging artery as a temporary measure?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No , it will not be of help

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
It is unlikely for artery to decrease in visibility with application of heat or cold at the site or other places.
Surgical option is the most appropriate remedy.
Other measure may be to try some hair style which conceals the prominent artery .
Hope you found the answer helpful
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (19 hours later)

When this artery becomes prominent due to heat,stress or other factors,is the artery in a state of vasoconstriction or vasodilation?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
The response of artery is dependent upon the hormonal balance mediated via sympathetic and parasympathetic innervations.
In cases of stress and anxiety, the blood supply to brain and muscle increases due to sympathetic stimulation and decreases in intestinal region.
The increased blood supply lead to prominence of vessel and arterial dilatation.

Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad