Traumatic neuroma of the tympanic (Jacobson's) nerve as a possible cause of otalgia

Abstract

Objective To show that traumatic neuroma of the tympanic (Jacobson's) nerve may be a cause of recurrent intractable otalgia in patients following radical mastoidectomies. Study Design Histologic evaluation of four temporal bones from three patients with a history of recurrent otalgia following radical mastoidectomy. Subjects and Methods The medical records of three patients with multiple middle ear surgeries in four ears because of recurrent otalgia were reviewed. Histopathologic studies of the four temporal bones were performed. Results All four of the temporal bones that underwent multiple surgeries were found to have traumatic neuromas of the tympanic (Jacobson's) nerve. Conclusion Recurrent otalgia in patients after radical middle ear surgery may be caused by a traumatic neuroma of the tympanic (Jacobson's) nerve. © 2008 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. All rights reserved.