Question: I had a petrosal sinus sampling test and during the procedure, I had sharp ear pain in both ears. How common is it to have pain during a petrosl sinus sampling test? If it’s fairly common, can pain medication be given before the start of the procedure?

Answer: Temporary ear pain may occur during the procedure as the catheter is threaded above the neck, but this is not universal and it is transient. Therefore, we usually do not pre-medicate with pain medication.

By Dr. Laurence Katznelson MD (Fall, 2008)