Ear Emergencies Flashcards
what are some examples of ear emergencies
pinna haematoma, ear lacerations, temporal bone fractures, sudden sensorineural hearing loss
what happens to the ear after repeated pinna haematoma
‘cauliflower ear’
what different treatments are used of pinna haematoma
aspirate, incision and drainage, pressure drainage
what different types of ear laceration can occur
blunt trauma, avulsion, dog bites, tissue loss
what is involved in the management of ear lacerations
debridement, closure(primary or reconstruction), usually local anaesthesia, antibiotics
what are the important aspects of a history for temporal bone fracture
injury mechanism, hearing loss, facial palsy, vertigo, CSF leak, associated injuries
what are the important aspects of examination of a temporal bone fracture
bruising(battle sign), condition of tympanic membrane and ear canal, VII(facial nerve), hearing test
describe the “battle sign” pattern of bruising that can be seen with temporal bone fracture is
bruising behind the ear, at the mastoid area
what are the 2 different types of temporal bone fracture, and which occurs more often
longitudinal(80%) and transverse(20%)
what type of blow is responsible for longitudinal and transverse fractures
longitudinal = lateral blows transverse = frontal blows
describe the fracture line seen with longitudinal and with transverse temporal bone fractures
longitudinal = parallels the long axis of the petrous pyramid transverse = right angles the long axis of the petrous pyramid
what clinical features are associated with a longitudinal temporal bone fracture
haemotympanum, ossicular chain disruption (both cause conductive hearing loss), facial palsy(20% cases), CSF otorrhoea(leak)
what clinical features are associated with a transverse temporal bone fracture
can cross internal auditory canal and damage facial and auditory nerves,
sensorineural hearing loss due to CN VIII(vestibulocochlear) damage, facial nerve palsy(50% cases), vertigo
what different types of problem cause conductive hearing loss
fluid, tympanic membrane perforation, ossicular problem
what management may be needed for conductive hearing loss
often delayed as polytrauma, may need facial nerve decompression, may need to manage CSF leak, may need hearing restoration
