Aural hematomas5/4/2023 Likely symptoms include pain, paresthesia, and ecchymosis. Physical exam findings consistent with auricular hematoma include contour irregularity of ear with swelling and fluctuant area overlying the ear's cartilaginous portions. It is imperative to evaluate for facial nerve weakness as the facial nerve passes through the ear and can be damaged when there is trauma to the ear. A focused physical exam includes an evaluation of the external ear, evaluation of the tympanic membrane with an otoscope, and evaluation for any coexistent lacerations or trauma of the head and neck. ![]() If the mechanism of trauma is large, such as a motor vehicle accident, the practitioner must rule out temporal bone trauma as well as assessing the patient for other injuries.Ī proper exam includes a full head and neck exam, the details of which are beyond the scope of this article. A recent history of trauma is common, and wrestling and boxing are common risk factors. Use of an otoscope to evaluate the external ear canal and tympanic membrane is paramount. It is important to have a good understanding of the baseline anatomy of the ear to better differentiate pathology. Physical exam involves a thorough evaluation of external ear. Specific questions which are important to ask are recent trauma, pain/tenderness of ear, previous occurrences, fevers/chills, drainage from ears, change in hearing, immunosuppression, diabetes, blood-thinning medications, and hypertension. A process of neocartilage development occurs that is an alteration of the normal histologic structure of the cartilage framework of the ear.Īlways start with open-ended questions and a standard history. Once blood fills this space, it causes vascular compromise of the adjacent cartilage and venous congestion that can result in histologic changes and ensuing cartilage deformity, resulting in an unsightly appearance of the external ear known as cauliflower ear. With trauma to the ear, the perichondrium and vasculature are damaged, causing separation from the underlying cartilage and resulting in a potential space for blood to accumulate. The blood vessels that supply the ear consist of the superficial temporal and posterior auricular artery. The primary areas of cartilage in the ear include the tragus, helix, antihelix, triangular fossa, cymba concha, and concha cavum. An auricular hematoma is a collection of blood between the perichondrium and underlying cartilage. It is very important you keep the scabs off so drainage can occur and the wound will heal from the inside out.The auricle is composed of skin, subcutaneous tissue, musculature, and perichondrium which supplies blood to the underlying cartilage. Most ears show a greatly reduced swelling by the time of suture removal. NOTE: Your pets ear will look very THICK and SWOLLEN for the first 5 days after surgery. Once the blood clot has formed, the treatment of choice is surgical drainage. This change is irreversible and results in a withered-up appearance to the earflap. Sometimes as the clot matures and contracts, it will cause the ear to become cauliflower-like in appearance. This may result in a very thick ear that can interfere with normal ventilation of the ear canal leading to ear infections. The blood clot will cause permanent damage to the appearance of the ear. ![]() The hematoma will continue to enlarge until it ruptures and becomes infected.If the hematoma is not treated properly, one of two things will happen: A swollen earflap should be evaluated and treated as quickly as possible to reduce the chance of permanent disfigurement of the ear. This condition can RECUR in the same ear or other ear if underlying problems are not corrected. Hereditary tendencies may also be involved, as some breeds and families within the breed are more prone to this than others. Other possible causes include allergy or trauma, such as a bite wound or hitting the head on a solid object. ![]() The most common cause of this condition is excessive head shaking as a result of an ear infection. This appears as a lump or swelling of the earflap. An EAR HEMATOMA is a large collection of blood that forms between the skin and the cartilage in the ear.
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