Abstract
Background Red ear syndrome (RES) is characterized by unilateral reddening of the external ear with associated pain and burning sensation. Some authors proposed a distinction between an idiopathic form, more commonly seen in young people and associated with migraine, and a secondary type, occurring more frequently in adults in association with cervical disorders [1]. This newly described condition lacks definition in terms of aetiology, pathophysiology and treatment. For this reason it has yet to be included in the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD3 beta). We report the case of a female patient with idiopathic RES, who responded to pregabalin 300 mg daily.
Highlights
Red ear syndrome (RES) is characterized by unilateral reddening of the external ear with associated pain and burning sensation
The attacks were consistently associated with marked ear reddening
* Correspondence: carlo.lisotto@aas5.sanita.fvg.it 1Headache Centre, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy Full list of author information is available at the end of the article normal limits
Summary
Red ear syndrome (RES) is characterized by unilateral reddening of the external ear with associated pain and burning sensation. Materials and methods Following the diagnostic criteria proposed by Lambru et al [2], we diagnosed with primary RES in a 30-year-old female, whose symptoms started when she was 28. Results The pain was unilateral, strictly left-sided, felt maximal on the ear lobe, radiating towards the ipsilateral mandible, cheek and eye, not infrequently in association with conjunctival injection and mild lacrimation; it was reported as severe. The attacks were consistently associated with marked ear reddening.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
