59 Great Auricular Nerve Block
The great auricular nerve (GAN) is the largest branch of the superficial cervical plexus (see Chapter 60, Fig. 60-1). It provides cutaneous innervation to the periauricular region.1 The GAN wraps around the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and then courses superiorly and anteriorly, dividing into anterior and posterior branches.2 Because of its superficial location, the GAN can be damaged during surgical procedures in the neck.3 The nerves of the superficial cervical plexus lie deep to the platysma when first emerging from the plexus, but superficial to the prevertebral fascia.
