Geniculate neuralgia: Diagnosis and surgical management

Pain in the ear is a common complaint for which patients consult their otolaryngologist. A rare cause is geniculate neuralgia, which has also been called tic douloureux of the nervus intermedius. In its most typical form, it is characterized by severe paroxysmal neuralgic pain centered directly in the ear. The pain may also be of gradual onset and of a dull, persistent nature, with occasional sharp, stabbing pain. The diagnostic features and two new surgical techniques for its treatment are described. Afferent sensory facial nerve fibers are shown to pass not only through the nervus intermedius, but also through the main motor trunk of the facial nerve.