A temporal artery biopsy is a medical procedure used to diagnose conditions like giant cell arteritis, which can cause inflammation of the blood vessels. During the procedure, a small section of the temporal artery, located on the side of the head, is surgically removed for examination under a microscope. This helps doctors determine if there is any inflammation or damage to the artery. The biopsy is typically performed under local anesthesia, meaning the patient remains awake but the area is numbed. After the procedure, patients may experience mild discomfort or bruising at the biopsy site, but serious complications are rare. Results usually take a few days to process.