Gradenigo’s Syndrome — surgical management in a child

Otits media is a common problem. some of its complications that were seen frequently in the preantibiotic era are rare today. we report a case of an 8 year boy who presented with earache, retro-orbital pain and diplopia secondary to a sixth nerve palsy - gradenigo's syndrome. in this syndrome infection from the middle ear spreads medially to the petrous apex of the temporal bone. work-up includes ct scan of the temporal bones. timely management with intravenous antibiotics (± surgery) is needed to prevent intra-cranial complications.