Otalgia Flashcards
What is the classification of otalgia? (2)
Primary otalgia- pinna, external auditory canal, middle ear
Secondary- referred from other structures
Which nerves can refer pain to the ear? (3)
C2/C3 spinal nerves and facial nerve (pinna)
Trigeminal (V3) and vagus nerves (external auditory canal, tympanic membrane)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (middle ear)
Causes of C2/C3 referred pain? (2)
Arthritis, cervical spondylosis
Causes of trigeminal nerve referred pain? (2)
Dental disease
TMJ dysfunction
Causes of glossopharyngeal nerve referred pain? (3)
Any infection of the oropharynx e.g. pharyngitis, tonsilitis, quinsy
Tongue base tumour
Pain post-tonsillectomy
Causes of vagus nerve referred pain?
Carcinomas of larynx and hypopharynx
The referred otalgia of pharyngitis is mediated by which nerve?
Glossopharyngeal
An acoustic neuroma can impact on the function of which nerves? (3)
Trigeminal nerve (corneal reflex, facial sensation) Facial nerve (facial palsy) Vestibulocochlear (hearing and balance impaired, tinnitus)
Bilateral acoustic neuromas are seen in which condition?
Neurofibromatosis type 2
Investigation of choice in suspected acoustic neuroma?
MRI of the cerebellopontine angle