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Selective Tracing of Auditory Fibers in the Avian Embryonic Vestibulocochlear Nerve
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Cervical Nerve Projections to the Auditory Pathway in Tinnitus
1Department of Pain therapy, Pain Clinic De Bilt, De Bilt, The Netherlands.
The International Tinnitus Journal
|January 26, 2021
Summary
Treating the sixth and seventh cervical nerves (C6 and C7) reduced tinnitus in 18% of patients. Moderate relief was common, with long-term benefits predicted by specific hearing and spinal criteria.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Cervical spinal nerves connect to the auditory system.
- These nerves play a role in the development of tinnitus.
- Understanding this connection may offer new therapeutic avenues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of C6 and C7 nerve treatment for reducing tinnitus intensity.
- To identify predictors of successful long-term tinnitus relief.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical data from 78 tinnitus patients treated with C6 and C7 nerve infiltration.
- Independent telephone interviews assessed long-term therapy outcomes.
Main Results:
- 18% of patients experienced reduced tinnitus after C6 and C7 treatment.
- Most patients reported moderate symptom improvement.
- Half of responders maintained benefits for at least 2.5 months.
- Hearing loss at 8 kHz and C4-C5 disc height predicted longer-lasting relief.
Conclusions:
- Targeting afferent cervical nerves can alleviate tinnitus.
- C6 and C7 nerve treatment provided significant tinnitus reduction in a subset of patients.
- Absence of 8 kHz hearing loss and C4-C5 disc degeneration were key indicators for sustained therapeutic benefit.
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