John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Because cauliflower ear is usually due to trauma, the symptoms depend on the severity of the trauma to the ear. Symptoms of cauliflower ear include pain, swelling,
bruising, and deformity of the curvature of the ear. If the trauma to the ear leads to
loss of hearing, ringing in the ear (tinnitus),
headaches, blurred vision, or facial swelling, the damage from the trauma could be severe and medical attention should be sought immediately.
What is the treatment for cauliflower?
The goals of treatment are to drain blood from the hematoma, treat any infection, and
reduce inflammation in order to re-establish the connection of the skin to the underlying cartilage. Treatment usually requires draining accumulated blood (the hematoma) through an incision in the ear and applying a compressive dressing to sandwich the two sides of the skin against the cartilage. Antibiotics are given to prevent infection.
Patients may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat doctor
(otolaryngologist) or plastic surgeon to treat this deformity and assure proper
healing.
What is the prognosis for cauliflower ear?
When treated aggressively and promptly, cauliflower ear deformity is unlikely. Any delay in diagnosis leads to more difficulty in managing the problem, increased chances for insufficient blood supply to the ear cartilage, and escalated risk of deformity.
How can cauliflower ear be prevented?
Protective headgear and helmets worn during sporting activities can help prevent this condition. Helmets can also protect from serious head injury.
See a doctor (preferably an otolaryngologist or plastic surgeon) for definitive care as soon as possible after the injury.
REFERENCE: Hanif, J. et al. "High" ear piercing and the rising incidence of perichondritis of the pinna. BMJ 2001. 322 : 906 doi: 10.1136/bmj.322.7291.906
A hematoma is a collection of blood that is outside a blood vessel. There are different areas where hematomas occur including the inside the skull, scalp, ear, septum, bones, finger and toenails, and intra-abdominal. Treatment for hematomas depend on the type and location of the hematoma.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety. There are fitness programs that fit any age or lifestyle.
Hearing loss (deafness) may be present at birth or it may manifest later in life. Deafness may be genetic or due to damage from noise. Treatment of deafness depends upon its cause.
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