A 77-year-old woman with recent onset of headaches and tenderness over the right temporal area is most likely suffering from which condition?

The most likely condition this 77-year-old woman is suffering from is giant cell arteritis. This condition, also known as temporal arteritis, commonly affects older adults and is characterized by inflammation of the large and medium-sized arteries, particularly the temporal arteries. The symptoms often include new-onset headaches, which can be severe and are typically unilateral. Additionally, tenderness over the affected temporal region is a hallmark sign of this condition, as the inflamed arteries can become palpable and tender.

It is crucial to note the urgency of recognizing giant cell arteritis, as it can lead to serious complications like permanent vision loss if not treated promptly with corticosteroids. The demographic of an elderly woman presenting with these symptoms aligns with the typical patient profile for giant cell arteritis.

In contrast, cluster headaches usually present with severe unilateral pain around the eyes and occur in cyclical patterns, while fibromyalgia involves widespread musculoskeletal pain and is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tender points, neither of which fit the provided symptoms. Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by sharp, shooting facial pain triggered by specific stimuli, but it does not typically cause the tenderness or headache pattern described in this scenario. Therefore, considering the patient’s age, symptoms, and the need for