Auriculotemporal neuralgia.

In this article, the anatomic and physiologic characteristics and clinical syndromes involving the auriculotemporal nerve (ATN) are reviewed. The ATN is a terminal branch of the mandibular nerve (third division of the trigeminal nerve). The syndrome of ATN neuralgia (ATNa), which is characterized by attacks of paroxysmal, moderate to severe pain on the preauricular area, often spreading to the ipsilateral temple, is discussed in this article. The classification of ATNa under the Second Edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, as well as our personal experience in diagnosing and treating this syndrome, also are reviewed.