Treatment of great auricular neuralgia with real-time ultrasound-guided great auricular nerve block: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE: The great auricular nerve can be damaged by the neck surgery, tumor, and long-time pressure on the neck. But, great auricular neuralgia is very rare condition. It was managed by several medication and landmark-based great auricular nerve block with poor prognosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 25-year-old man presented with a pain in the left lateral neck and auricle. DIAGNOSIS: He was diagnosed with great auricular neuralgia. INTERVENTIONS: His pain was not reduced by medication. Therefore, the great auricular nerve block with local anesthetics and steroid was performed under ultrasound guidance. OUTCOMES: Ultrasound guided great auricular nerve block alleviated great auricular neuralgia. LESSONS: This medication-resistant great auricular neuralgia was treated by the ultrasound guided great auricular nerve block with local anesthetic agent and steroid. Therefore, great auricular nerve block can be a good treatment option of medication resistant great auricular neuralgia.