Great Auricular Neuralgia: Case Series

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Management

Background:

• The great auricular nerve (GAN) innervates the pre-auricular region, jaw angle, and mastoid.
• Neuralgia of the GAN is uncommon, with limited case reports available.
• This study aims to detail the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of 13 GAN neuralgia cases.

Observation:

• A retrospective review identified 13 patients with GAN neuralgia between 1994 and 2018.
• Pain was typically paroxysmal and stabbing, triggered by head turning, neck touch, or sleep position.
• Patients experienced pain in the distribution of the great auricular nerve.

Findings:

• Great auricular nerve (GAN) blocks provided significant pain relief in seven patients.
• Three patients achieved long-term pain control with serial GAN blocks for 2-5 years.
• Two patients transitioned to GAN stimulators, and one with GAN lymphoma had pain resolution after surgery.

Implications:

• GAN neuralgia should be considered in the differential diagnosis for periauricular pain.
• Great auricular nerve (GAN) blocks and stimulators are effective treatment modalities for managing GAN neuralgia.
• This study contributes valuable data on the clinical presentation and successful management strategies for GAN neuralgia.