5 Questions
What is the commonest cause of indirect trauma leading to a ruptured eardrum?
Hand slap
Which symptom is commonly associated with a ruptured eardrum?
No or mild bloody otorrhea
What is the recommended treatment to avoid for a patient with a ruptured eardrum?
Nose blowing
Which type of perforation is commonly observed in a ruptured eardrum?
Central perforation in the pars tensa
What is the recommended surgical intervention if conservative treatment fails to heal the ruptured eardrum within three months?
Myringoplasty
Study Notes
Anatomy of the Middle Ear
- The middle ear is a crucial component of the ear, responsible for various functions.
Eustachian Tube
- The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx, allowing for the regulation of middle ear pressure.
- Key differences between the infant and adult Eustachian tube:
- Infant: shorter, more horizontal, and wider in diameter.
- Adult: longer, more vertical, and narrower in diameter.
- Functions of the Eustachian tube:
- Ventilation and regulation of middle ear pressure.
- Protective functions, including:
- Nasopharyngeal sound pressure.
- Reflux of nasopharyngeal secretions.
- Clearance of middle ear secretions.
Eustachian Tube Function Tests
- Valsalva test:
- Principle: positive pressure in the nasopharynx causes air to enter the Eustachian tube.
- Used to test Eustachian tube function.
- Politizer test:
- Done in children who are unable to perform the Valsalva test.
- Involves:
- Introducing an olive-shaped tip into the patient's nostril.
- Closing the other nostril and compressing the bag while the patient swallows or says "ik, ik, ik".
- Listening for a hissing sound through an auscultation tube.
- Can also be used therapeutically to ventilate the middle ear.
Rupture of the Tympanic Membrane
- Incidence: uncommon.
- Importance of understanding the anatomy and function of the Eustachian tube in relation to the tympanic membrane.
Learn about the anatomy of the middle ear, including the Eustachian tube, and the functions it serves in both infants and adults. Explore the ventilation, regulation of middle ear pressure, protective functions, and clearance of secretions. Discover the principle and procedure of the Valsalva test for evaluating Eustachian tube function.
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