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Glossopharyngeal neuralgia and MS
1MS Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA.
Neurology
|April 4, 2000
Summary
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN), a severe facial pain condition, may be linked to multiple sclerosis (MS). Carbamazepine effectively treated GPN in most MS patients, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) presents as severe, lancinating pain in the throat, often triggered by swallowing or yawning.
- GPN has not been previously documented in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Observation:
- This study reports four cases of GPN in patients diagnosed with MS.
- Three patients experienced pain relief with carbamazepine treatment.
- One patient's GPN resolved following treatment with adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) and cyclophosphamide.
Findings:
- GPN can occur in the context of multiple sclerosis.
- Carbamazepine demonstrated efficacy in managing GPN symptoms in MS patients.
- Discontinuation of carbamazepine led to pain recurrence in one patient, highlighting its importance.
Implications:
- GPN should be considered in the differential diagnosis of facial pain in MS patients.
- Carbamazepine represents a promising treatment option for GPN associated with MS.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the relationship between GPN and MS.