Treatment of great auricular neuralgia with real-time ultrasound-guided great auricular nerve block: A case report and review of the literature

Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Mar;96(12):e6325. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000006325.

Abstract

Rationale: The great auricular nerve can be damaged by the neck surgery, tumor, and long-time pressure on the neck. But, great auricular neuralgia is very rare condition. It was managed by several medication and landmark-based great auricular nerve block with poor prognosis.

Patient concerns: A 25-year-old man presented with a pain in the left lateral neck and auricle.

Diagnosis: He was diagnosed with great auricular neuralgia.

Interventions: His pain was not reduced by medication. Therefore, the great auricular nerve block with local anesthetics and steroid was performed under ultrasound guidance.

Outcomes: Ultrasound guided great auricular nerve block alleviated great auricular neuralgia.

Lessons: This medication-resistant great auricular neuralgia was treated by the ultrasound guided great auricular nerve block with local anesthetic agent and steroid. Therefore, great auricular nerve block can be a good treatment option of medication resistant great auricular neuralgia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics, Local / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ear Auricle / innervation*
  • Humans
  • Lidocaine / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Nerve Block / methods*
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy*
  • Triamcinolone / therapeutic use
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Triamcinolone
  • Lidocaine