Document Type

Report

Publication Date

6-10-2026

Comments

This article is the author’s final published version in BMJ Case Reports, Volume 19, Issue 6, 2026.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2025-271980. Copyright © BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2026.

 

Abstract

Otalgia in adults is often secondary to non-otologic pathology, particularly with normal otoscopic examination. Auriculotemporal neuralgia (ATN) is a rare and overlooked cause of secondary otalgia. We present a case of an Army veteran with chronic right otalgia and dizziness following blast-related mild traumatic brain injury who was initially diagnosed with vestibular migraine. Despite significant improvement in headache symptoms with migraine-directed preventive and abortive treatments, otalgia persisted. Auriculotemporal nerve block produced complete but short-lived pain relief, confirming ATN. Cryoneurolysis of the auriculotemporal nerve resulted in complete resolution of otalgia for 2-3 months after first and second treatments. However, transient worsening of tinnitus, ear pressure and dizziness also occurred but eventually returned to baseline. This case highlights cryoneurolysis as a potential therapeutic option for refractory ATN-related otalgia.

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Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

Language

English

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