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

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.