Treatments of glossopharyngeal neuralgia: towards standard procedures

Abstract

The degree of disability due to glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) refractory to conservative treatments justifies surgical procedures as second-line treatments. Since the first description of this facial pain disorders, many surgical options have been described either via a percutaneous or an open surgical way. Actually, when a neurovascular conflict on root entry zone (REZ) or cisternal portion of the ninth and tenth cranial nerves is identified, microvascular decompression (MVD) is the first surgical option to consider. Many studies have demonstrated its efficacy and safety for the treatment of GN. Recently, stereotactic radiosurgery has gained space in the treatment of selected cases of GN. We provide an overview of the surgical procedures for the treatment of GN and of our own experience.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia with Syncope Caused by Recurrence of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…We considered that reduction of the tumor was the only fundamental treatment that could reduce glossopharyngeal neuralgia with syncope in the present case. In such cases, surgical resection may be the best option (15,16). However, surgical resection was considered too risky because of the location in the present case.…”

<p>The Long-Term Outcome of CT-Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Idiopathic Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A Retrospective Multi-Center Case Series</p>

“…Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is an uncommon facial pain syndrome characterized by paroxysms of pain in the sensory distribution of the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX). 1,2 It is reported that the crude incidence of GPN is estimated to be approximately 0.2 to 0.8 per 100,000 population per year. 1,3,4 The pain is usually located in the tonsillar fossa, base of tongue, laryngeal region, mandibular angle and the ear.…”

“… 1 , 2 It is reported that the crude incidence of GPN is estimated to be approximately 0.2 to 0.8 per 100,000 population per year. 1 , 3 , 4 The pain is usually located in the tonsillar fossa, base of tongue, laryngeal region, mandibular angle and the ear. 5 The characteristics of GPN are usually stabbing, sharp or shooting.…”

The Long-Term Outcome of CT-Guided Pulsed Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Idiopathic Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: a preliminary multi-center case series

“…reported that the crude incidence of GPN is estimated to be approximately 0.2 to 0.8 per 100,000 population per year [1,3,4]. The pain is usually located in the tonsillar fossa, base of tongue, laryngeal region, mandibular angle and the ear [5].…”

“…The heat generated in each active cycle could dissipate in the long resting phase of 480 milliseconds, so that the temperature does not exceed 42℃ [23]. Unlike radiofrequency thermocoagulation, which selectively destroys pain fibers via continuous radiofrequency with the temperature over 65℃ [1], PRF could be applied repeatedly for several times without irreversible damage to neuronal tissue. Shah et al [24] presented the first case of GPN (chronic post-tonsillectomy pain) treated with PRF which attained satisfactory pain relief in 2003.…”