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Am Fam Physician. 2018;98(3):142

Original Article: Ear Pain: Diagnosing Common and Uncommon Causes

Issue Date: January 1, 2018

See additional reader comments at: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0101/p20.html

To the Editor: This comprehensive review indicates that temporal mandibular joint syndrome is a common cause of secondary otalgia. Another cause not mentioned in the article is atlanto-occipital joint dysfunction. Tenderness and restricted range of motion at this joint in a patient with otalgia suggests that atlanto-occipital joint dysfunction could be the cause. Treatment with osteopathic manipulative therapy can provide prompt relief of symptoms.1

Editor's Note: This letter was sent to the authors of “Ear Pain: Diagnosing Common and Uncommon Causes,” who declined to reply.

Email letter submissions to afplet@aafp.org. Letters should be fewer than 400 words and limited to six references, one table or figure, and three authors. Letters submitted for publication in AFP must not be submitted to any other publication. Letters may be edited to meet style and space requirements.

This series is coordinated by Kenny Lin, MD, MPH, deputy editor.

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