Red ear syndrome: a review of all published cases (1996-2010).

BACKGROUND: Red ear syndrome is characterised by episodic unilateral erythema of the ear associated with pain and burning sensation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe the case of a young woman with daily, frequent, recurrent episodes of red ear syndrome in the absence of any structural lesions, primary headache disorder or obvious triggers. We review all previously described cases and discuss postulated mechanisms for this syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The exact cause of this rare headache disorder remains unknown and treatment options vary considerably