Otalgia as the sole presenting manifestation of subdural hematoma

Abstract

A case is reported of a 57-year-old man with sudden development of nontraumatic left-sided otalgia without any localizing features on otolaryngologic or neurologic examinations. The condition persisted despite empirical antibiotic therapy and simple analgesics. A subsequent computed tomography of the head revealed a subacute left frontoparietal subdural hematoma that was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. Neurosurgical drainage was performed with complete symptom resolution. This case report illustrates a possible rare sole presenting manifestation of subdural hematoma. This condition should be considered early in cases of otalgia if no causes are deduced after extensive otolaryngologic evaluation.