Introduction Head injury is a major source of disability and mortality worldwide. The CDC reports that in 2017 there were 224,000 head injury-related hospitalizations in the United States. Unintentional falls…
Introduction The lateral skull base is comprised predominantly of the dense, pyramid-shaped petrous temporal bone. Fractures of the petrous temporal bone comprise approximately 20% of all skull fractures. Given the…
Since the 20th century, the term “labyrinthine concussion” or “inner ear concussion” has been used to describe sensorineural hearing loss following head trauma in the absence of temporal bone fracture…
Introduction Temporal bone fractures (TBFs) present complex diagnostic and management challenges. Due to the large amount of force required to fracture the temporal bone, several other injuries may also be…
Introduction Damage to the ear is the most common organ injury after exposure to blast overpressure (BOP). A blast injury occurs due to a rapid overpressurization force to the body….
Auricular anatomy Mastery of auricular anatomy is a prerequisite for achieving successful reconstruction. The majority of the auricle is composed of an intricate cartilaginous framework with an overlying taut skin…
Introduction Extent and severity of injury in the setting of otologic and lateral skull base trauma are readily detected noninvasively by imaging. Due to its speed and excellent spatial resolution,…
Introduction A patient’s sense of “balance” is a complex, dynamic phenomenon that integrates information from the visual, peripheral vestibular, and somatosensory systems. The vestibular system is comprised of both peripheral…
Introduction In 2005, the Department of Veterans Affairs awarded more than $1 billion for otologic-related disabilities—the majority of which were due to impulse noise exposures and blast injuries. The ear…
Overview Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health issue globally and in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines TBI as an insult (blow or…
