Which sign is characteristic of giant cell arteritis on examination?

The characteristic sign of giant cell arteritis (GCA) is tenderness over the temporal artery. This condition primarily affects the large and medium-sized arteries, particularly those in the head. The inflammation in GCA can cause the temporal artery to become swollen and tender, often leading to significant discomfort upon palpation.

Patients may also experience headaches, jaw claudication, and visual disturbances, but the tenderness over the temporal artery is a distinguishing feature that can be observed on examination. This tenderness is a result of the vasculitis affecting the arteries, leading to inflammation and sensitivity in the area.

Other options, while they may present in different conditions, do not specifically align with the typical examination findings seen in giant cell arteritis. For instance, swelling of limbs is more indicative of other vascular or systemic processes, loss of sensation might suggest neurological involvement that isn't directly related to GCA, and joint tenderness is commonly associated with other forms of arthritis, rather than specifically pointing to giant cell arteritis. Hence, the presence of tenderness over the temporal artery is a critical indicator in diagnosing this condition.