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Published on: August 24, 2017
Tinnitus in postherpetic neuralgia
Milena De Marinis1, Valter Santilli
1Department of Neurological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell' Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy. m.de.marinis@mclink.it
The Journal of Headache and Pain
|October 24, 2009
Summary
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) can cause tinnitus, a ringing in the ears. This study details a case where tinnitus resolved with duloxetine treatment as the PHN pain subsided.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a neuropathic pain condition often affecting the trigeminal nerve.
- The ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve is susceptible to PHN, typically presenting with facial pain.
Observation:
- A case study describes a woman with PHN in the left ophthalmic nerve distribution.
- The patient experienced ipsilateral tinnitus, correlating with pain intensity.
Findings:
- This is the first reported instance of tinnitus associated with PHN.
- Tinnitus responded to duloxetine treatment and resolved as PHN symptoms improved.
Implications:
- This suggests a potential link between trigeminal nerve involvement in PHN and auditory symptoms.
- Further research may explore the mechanisms and therapeutic targets for tinnitus in PHN.
- Neurologists and pain specialists should consider tinnitus in patients with trigeminal PHN.
