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Red ear syndrome and migraine: report of eight cases
Vincenzo Raieli1, Roberto Monastero, Giuseppe Santangelo
1Child Headache Center, Division of Child Neuropsychiatry, GF Ingrassia Hospital, Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
We describe eight idiopathic cases of red ear syndrome in seven children and one adult. All were migraineurs with a history of paroxysmally painful and red ear, unilateral or alternating, in isolation or associated with migraine attacks. The reported duration of these episodes varied from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Neurologic examination, brain MRI and CT scans, and x-rays of the cervical spine were normal. The close temporal relationship between the "red ear episodes" and migraine attacks suggests an association between the two conditions.
Insights
Idiopathic red ear syndrome, characterized by painful, red ears, is linked to migraines in children and adults. These episodes often occur with or independently of migraine attacks.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Red ear syndrome is a rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of unilateral erythema and pain in the ear.
- The etiology of red ear syndrome remains largely unknown, with limited research on its association with other neurological conditions.
Observation:
- This study details eight idiopathic cases of red ear syndrome in seven children and one adult.
- All patients reported paroxysmal, painful, and red ear episodes, which were unilateral or alternating.
- Episodes lasted 30 minutes to 1 hour and occurred in isolation or alongside migraine attacks.
Findings:
- All patients were diagnosed with migraine.
- Neurological examinations, brain MRI, CT scans, and cervical spine X-rays were consistently normal across all cases.
- A strong temporal association was observed between red ear episodes and migraine attacks.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential association between red ear syndrome and migraine, possibly indicating a shared underlying pathophysiology.
- Further research is warranted to explore the neurobiological mechanisms linking these two conditions.
- This association may aid in the diagnosis and management of red ear syndrome, particularly in patients with a history of migraine.