Percutaneous Radiofrequency Lesion of the Superior Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion in Patients with Tinnitus

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of radiofrequency lesioning of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion for patients with tinnitus. Study Design: This is a retrospective long-term clinical review of patients with tinnitus treated with a blockade of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion. Setting: The human subjects were 366 consecutive patients who came to the DC Klinieken in Almere and Amsterdam from January 2010 to January 2014 for consultations on their tinnitus that persisted for 1 month or longer. Subjects and Methods: Data were recorded from patients whose charts were reviewed retrospectively to identify the patients who were treated with a blockade of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion for tinnitus. An independent observer conducted a long-term follow-up assessment of the therapy by telephone interview. Results: Relief of tinnitus at 7-week follow-up was achieved in 64% of the patients treated with a radiofrequency lesion of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion after a positive test blockade of this structure. Two years after the treatment, the maintenance of a tinnitus relief occurred in almost 40% of the patients with a follow-up period of two years or longer. Conclusions: A radiofrequency lesion of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion may be a useful alternative for patients with tinnitus not responding to conventional therapy.