Auriculotemporal

Pain signals normally travel along the nerves to the brain, where they are experienced as pain. The auriculotemporal nerve arises from the mandibular nerve, which is a branch of the trigeminal nerve. It provides sensation to parts of the ear, temple region, and scalp. When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, persistent or debilitating pain to the face, ear, and jaw can result.

Auriculotemporal nerve block injections are used to treat this pain by injecting a small amount of local anesthetic near the nerve, which is located in front of the ear. This is similar to the medication used to “freeze” your gums at the dentist. By numbing the nerve, the anesthetic temporarily interrupts or reduces the transmission of pain signals.

A steroid medication like cortisone may also be included in the injection to reduce inflammation and swelling in the surrounding tissues and reduce pressure on the nerve.

Auriculotemporal nerve block injections may be a good option for people with specific types of face or jaw pain that have not responded to other treatments. 

These include:

• • Migraines and Chronic Headaches: Auriculotemporal nerve block injections can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, especially those that involve facial pain.
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: This procedure is an effective treatment for chronic pain and inflammation in the jaw related to the temporomandibular joint.
  • Post-Traumatic or Post-Surgical Pain: This nerve block can help manage ongoing pain after trauma or surgery affecting the ear, temple region, or jaw. 

• Trigeminal and Post-Herpetic (Shingles) Neuralgia: Nerve blocks can relieve severe pain from nerve irritation in the face, ear, or temple area.

• Diagnostic Purposes: In some cases, a nerve block can be used to determine whether the auriculotemporal nerve is the source of your pain.

By blocking pain signals at their source, auriculotemporal nerve block injections can help you get back to your normal activities without the burden of chronic pain.

The primary benefit of an auriculotemporal nerve block is pain relief, which can significantly improve your quality of life. For many patients, these injections:

• Provide immediate and long-lasting relief from painful jaw disorders and chronic facial pain. 
• Reduce the need for oral medication, including potentially addictive opioids. 
• Help identify the source of facial pain for further treatment planning.
• Serve as a non-invasive alternative to surgery or other intensive treatments.

Depending on the condition being treated, up to 94% of patients have significant pain relief after an auriculotemporal nerve block, lasting up to 6 months.  For those with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, studies have reported significant reductions in pain and improvements in mouth opening ability following this procedure.

While some people get good results after a single injection, it’s important to understand that the pain relief from a nerve block injection is usually temporary. Over several weeks to months, the effects of the medication will gradually wear off.  Depending on your condition and results, the injections can be repeated up to 3-6 times per year to get sustained relief.

Our expert clinicians use ultrasound guidance to ensure each injection is placed with 100% accuracy. When injected blindly, it can miss the intended target up to 30% of the time, even in the most experienced hands. Ultrasound-guided injections ensure maximum effectiveness and reduce the risk of complications.

Yes, nerve blocks are a safe and widely used medical procedure. If side effects do occur, they are usually mild and temporary, such as slight swelling or soreness at the injection site.

Nerve blocks are generally a safe and effective option for chronic or acute pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments. However, people with some conditions may not be a good candidate for nerve block injections:

• Medication allergies: You must not be allergic to the medications used in the injection.
• Infections: An active infection near the injection site or in your body could increase the risk of complications. 
• Bleeding problems: Patients with clotting issues or those taking blood thinners may require special precautions.
• Serious health issues: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or severe heart problems might make this procedure unsafe for you.
• Pregnancy: Nerve block injections may not be recommended during pregnancy.

Our expert clinical team will assess your unique situation to determine if a nerve block is right for you.

At Wilderman Medical Clinic, we take every precaution to ensure your safety. While auriculotemporal nerve block injections are considered safe, like any medical procedure, they carry some potential risks and side effects. These may include:

• Temporary Numbness or Weakness: It’s normal to experience temporary numbness in the forehead or scalp after the injection.
• Bruising or Swelling: Some patients notice minor bruising or swelling at the injection site, which typically resolves on its own.
• Infection: Though rare, there is a slight risk of infection at the injection site.
• Allergic Reactions: If you’re allergic to the medications used, you may experience an allergic reaction. Be sure to inform your clinician of any known allergies.
• Incomplete Pain Relief: In some cases, the injection may not fully alleviate pain, or its effects may be short-lived.

During your initial consultation, our clinical team will go over the potential risks and benefits with you to make sure you feel confident and well-informed before going ahead with the procedure.

Our expert team will prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the process:

Consultation: Before your procedure, our physicians will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals to determine if a nerve block is the right option for you.

Preparation: You’ll be asked to lie down comfortably. The area in front of your ear, where the injection will be administered, will be cleaned and sterilized.

Injection: Next, our experienced clinician will use ultrasound to precisely locate the target area. A thin needle is directed to the desired location, and the medication is injected. The whole process only takes a few minutes. It is normal to feel a temporary sensation of burning, tingling, or mild pressure in the area of the injection. Most patients report only minimal discomfort.  

Recovery: After the injection, a small bandage is placed on your skin. You will be given time after the procedure to make sure you feel good and are not having side effects before leaving the clinic. For your safety, you will be required to have a driver pick you up to ensure you get home safely.

Most patients can resume normal activities within a few hours, although rest is recommended for the remainder of the day. Minor soreness for a few days after the procedure is normal.

We follow up with all of our patients after their procedures, typically within 2-4 weeks.

Ready to take the next step toward lasting pain relief? Our expert team will work with you to find the best pain management option for you — so you can take control of your pain and restore your quality of life.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover if an auriculotemporal nerve block injection is right for you.

de Oliveira, A. T., & de Santana Santos, T. (2011). Anesthetic blockage of the auriculotemporal nerve and its clinical application in temporomandibular joint disorders. Revista Odonto Ciência, 26(2), 164–168. Retrieved from http://revodonto.bvsalud.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1677-38882011000200009

Im, S.H. & Lee, H.J. & Shim, J.S. & Min, K.. (2017). Ultrasound-guided auriculotemporal nerve block for post-herpetic auriculotemporal neuropathy: A case report. Neurology Asia. 22. 369-372.

Mustafa Sami Demirsoy, Aras Erdil, Mehmet Kemal Tümer. Evaluation of the Efficacy of Auriculotemporal Nerve Block in Temporomandibular Disorders. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache. 2021. 35(4);326-331. https://files.jofph.com/files/article/20231204-45/pdf/ofph_35_4_Demirsoy_2949_p326.pdf

Zia, Hasan; Al-Shehab, Usmaan; Gawash, Ahmed; Dipalma, Anthony; Johnson, Dale; Dolley, Musa; Lo, David F.; John, Ryan St.; Hassam, Zain; and Shamilov, Don D., “Auriculotemporal Nerve Block for TMJ: A Systematic Review” (2024). Rowan-Virtua Research Day. 115. https://rdw.rowan.edu/stratford_research_day/2024/may2/115