Pulsed mode radiofrequency lesioning to treat chronic post-tonsillectomy pain (secondary glossopharyngeal neuralgia).
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.
Shah
Rinoo V
RV
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Services, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, USA. rinoo_shah@yahoo.com
Racz
Gabor B
GB