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Pulsed Mode Radiofrequency Lesioning to Treat Chronic Post‐tonsillectomy Pain (Secondary Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia)
Author(s) -
Shah Rinoo V.,
Racz Gabor B.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
pain practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1533-2500
pISSN - 1530-7085
DOI - 10.1046/j.1533-2500.2003.03028.x
Subject(s) - medicine , pulsed radiofrequency , tonsillectomy , neuralgia , peritonsillar abscess , glossopharyngeal nerve , neuropathic pain , anesthesia , surgery , orofacial pain , pain relief , vagus nerve , stimulation
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is an uncommon orofacial pain syndrome. Primary GPN is idiopathic, whereas secondary GPN has identifiable causes: tonsillectomy, peritonsillar abscesses, invasive cancer, and trauma. Despite these differences, both types of GPN present similarly and can recur. Pulsed mode radiofrequency lesioning is a safe, non‐destructive treatment method and hence, useful in neuropathic pain conditions. We present the first case of chronic post‐tonsillectomy pain (secondary glossopharyngeal neuralgia), that was successfully managed with pulsed radiofrequency lesioning.