Conservative management of Gradenigo's syndrome in a child.

Gradenigo's syndrome, the triad of suppurative otitis media, abducens nerve palsy and pain in the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, remains a rare complication of otitis media. A case in a paediatric patient is described, successfully managed conservatively. There is little evidence to support increased use of antibiotics in acute otitis media to prevent this complication.