The Greater Auricular Nerve Donor for Facial Nerve Grafts: A Note on Its Topographical Anatomy

Neural bridging achieves transcutaneous regulation of vagus nerve function and treatment of depressive disorders

“…In contrast, electrophysiological analyses revealed enhanced NTS activation in neurorrhaphy-treated mice compared to controls, suggesting superior signal transmission. This effect may be attributable to the C3 nerve's extensive auricular dermatomal coverage [ 13 , 20 , 21 ], larger caliber relative to the ABVN [ 15 , 22 ], and more direct vagal activation through newly formed neural pathways. In brief, neural bridging may mitigate targeting uncertainty by creating a stable somatic-autonomic conduit, though this potential advantage requires careful evaluation against procedural limitations.…”

“…Therefore, we hypothesize that by anastomosing a thicker sensory nerve than the ABVN with the vagus nerve to create a new pathway for transcutaneous stimulation, better stimulation effects may be achieved. Compared to ABVN, the greater auricular nerve (mainly originating from the third cervical plexus [ 19 ]) covers a broader area, innervating the lower two-thirds of the auricle and the earlobe [ 20 , 21 ], and has a distal diameter approximately 6 times larger than ABVN [ 15 , 22 ], thereby making it a more suitable candidate for stimulation purposes.…”

Intratemporal Grafting of the Facial Nerve following Lateral Skull Base Tumor Resection

“…12,13 Short segment replacement can be accomplished with the greater auricular nerve while longer defects may require using the sural nerve. 14 The purpose of this article was to analyze our results in intratemporal facial nerve grafting following lateral skull base tumor resection. Using meticulous microsurgical technique, tension-free anastomosis, and the bony trough of the vertical segment when possible, 33 of 40 patients or 82.5% attained Grade II or III facial recovery at 2 years.…”

Greater auricular nerve neuropraxia with beach chair positioning during open reduction and internal fixation with plate for clavicular fracture -A case report-

“…The symptoms disappeared completely after four weeks of outpatient follow-up. and parotid gland [6,7]. Compression nerve injury from usage of a horse-shoe headrest or a standard universal headrest was the cause of GAN injury in three cases reported previously.…”