Somatosensory-Auditory Processing of the Fifth Cervical Nerve in Tinnitus.

INTRODUCTION

Cervical spinal nerve projections influence auditory responses and play a role in the pathology of tinnitus.

OBJECTIVES

The intention of our research was to lay down the amenity of treatment of the fifth (C5) cervical nerve to lessen tinnitus and to obtain specifications associated with a long-term effect of this method.

DESIGN

Subjects were 54 tinnitus patients who were treated with infiltration of the fifth cervical nerve. Clinical data form these patients were reviewed retrospectively. An independent perceiver evaluated the long-term effect of the therapy by telephone interview.

RESULTS

Treating the C5 is beneficial for 30% of the tinnitus patients. The majority of patients with a beneficial result rated the tinnitus reduction of 50% or more. At 9 months, half of the patients still had benefit. Less hearing at 1 kHz together with a large spur in front of the fifth cervical vertebrae forecasted a beneficial effect of the C5 therapy on tinnitus at 7 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Treating cervical spine complaints can lessen tinnitus. Therapy of C5 resulted in less tinnitus for 30% of the tinnitus patients. However, selection of tinnitus patients with an evident spur in front of the fifth cervical vertebrae together with a less hearing at 1 kHz will improve the success rate of C5 therapy.