Pulsed Radiofrequency of the Auricular Branch of the Vagal Nerve in Tinnitus Patients


Author: Henk M Koning1, Amarins N Heeringa2

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Department of Pain therapy, Pain Clinic De Bilt, De Bilt, Netherlands.

<sup>2</sup> Department of Neuroscience, Research Centre Neurosensory Science, School of Medicine and Health Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
Conference/Journal: Int Tinnitus J
Date published: 2023 Dec 4
Other:
 Volume ID: 27   ,  Issue ID: 1   ,  Pages: 68-74   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.5935/0946-5448.20230012.   ,  Word Count: 167  
    Introduction:

Pulsed radiofrequency of the auricular branch of the vagal nerve has strongly reduced tinnitus in a person with violent tinnitus and severe cervical pain.



Objectives:

The objective of our study was to study the long-term effects of pulsed radiofrequency of the auricular branch of the vagal nerve in a large group of tinnitus sufferers and to find predictors for a prosperous result.



Design:

A monocenter backward-looking group study.



Results:

48% of tinnitus sufferers who undertook pulsed radiofrequency of the auricular branch of the vagal nerve reported a reduced loudness of their tinnitus, which was qualified as being moderate to good in 87% of these patients. The reduction exceeded mostly 1 year. An angle smaller than 3 degrees between the 2nd and 3rd cervical vertebrae on lateral radiograph predicted a better outcome of this therapy.



Conclusion:

Neuromodulation of the auricular branch of the vagal nerve is an uncomplicated remedy for tinnitus, especially for tinnitus patients with a pathologically small C2-C3 angle.



Keywords: Pain therapy; Tinnitus; Vagal nerve.



PMID: 38050888 DOI: 10.5935/0946-5448.20230012