The aetiology of anterior ethmoidal neuralgia is:
Anterior ethmoidal nerve is a branch of nasociliary nerve (from ophthalmic division of CN V). It is distributed to anterior part of nasal septum and lateral nasal wall. Mucosal contact between nasal septum and middle turbinate causes headache. This headache can be relieved when mucosal surfaces are separated with application of a nasal decongestant such as xylometazoline or adrenaline and a local anaesthetic like lignocaine - a diagnostic test in these cases. Permanent treatment would be to surgically remove structural deformities, e.g. removal of spur or deflected septum and/or reduction of the size of turbinate.
Inferior turbinate pressing on the nasal septum
Middle turbinate pressing on the nasal septum
Superior turbinate pressing on the nasal septum
Causing obstruction of sphenoid opening
Facial Nerve And Its Disorders