What is great auricular nerve?

The great auricular nerve is a sensory nerve that provides innervation to the skin over the lower part of the ear, as well as the skin over the parotid gland and the angle of the mandible. It originates from the cervical plexus, specifically from the second and third cervical spinal nerves.

The great auricular nerve runs superficially in the neck, traveling over the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the external jugular vein. It then divides into smaller branches that supply sensation to the designated areas.

Injury to the great auricular nerve can result in symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the distribution of the nerve. This can occur due to trauma, surgery, or compression of the nerve.

Treatment for injury to the great auricular nerve may involve conservative measures such as pain management and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the damaged nerve.