Referred otalgia induced by a large tonsillolith

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurology

Background:

• Referred otalgia is ear pain originating from a non-ear source.
• The glossopharyngeal nerve innervates the tonsils and can cause referred otalgia via its tympanic branch (Jacobson's nerve).

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an unusual case of a large tonsillolith causing acute otalgia.
• To highlight the importance of thorough oral cavity examination in diagnosing referred otalgia.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient presenting with acute otalgia.
• Clinical examination including otoscopy, oral cavity, and oropharynx inspection.

Main Results:

• A large tonsillolith was identified as the cause of acute otalgia.
• The glossopharyngeal nerve's referred pain pathway was implicated.

Conclusions:

• Large tonsilloliths can present as a rare cause of acute otalgia.
• Comprehensive examination of the oral cavity and oropharynx is essential for identifying the etiology of referred otalgia.