The Art of Otology

Abstract

Management of chronic ear infections dependent on recognition of the differences (pathological and clinical) between tympano-tubal lesions and attico-antral disease. Chronic suppurative otitis media as a reason for rejection for military service. Statistics obtained from the Ministry of Labour and National Service. Relative incidence of tympanic and attico-antral disease in a series of 500 hospital patients at the present time. Resistant chronic tympanic disease still a problem. Relation to acute suppurative otitis media. Recurrent and relapsing attacks of acute otitis media. Does early chemotherapy interfere with development of immunity? Problems presented by acute otitis media likely to be elucidated by the general practitioner rather than by the otologist. The general practitioner's opportunities for research in this clinical problem. Incidence of ear diseases in average general practice. Training of medical students in diseases of the ear, nose and throat. Methods of instruction followed in the teaching schools of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and attitude of the Examining Bodies to this subject. The contribution of otologists to the education of doctors. Some observations on facial paralysis. Importance of prognosis. Different criteria in early and late stages of paralysis. Reasons for abandoning the faradic-galvanic tests in the management of facial paralysis. Use of constant current square pulse stimulators in early days of facial paralysis. Electromyography of value in later stages. Present-day difficulties in acquiring skill for facial nerve surgery. Importance of the stylomastoid artery. Recent investigations on the blood supply of the facial nerve: Gross vascular pattern and the interfascicular plexus. Further work necessary to relate these anatomical facts to the condition of Bell's palsy.