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Summary
Fibrosis can entrap the superior laryngeal nerve, causing throat pain after tonsillectomy or trauma. Most patients found relief with medical therapy and massage, though surgery may be an option.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
Background:
- Post-tonsillectomy or foreign-body trauma can lead to superior laryngeal nerve entrapment by fibrosis.
- This entrapment can cause localized neuritis and characteristic pain at the thyrohyoid membrane.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation and management of superior laryngeal nerve entrapment.
- To identify a specific point of tenderness associated with this condition.
Main Methods:
- Observation of 21 patients over five years.
- Digital palpation to locate points of tenderness over the thyrohyoid membrane or superior thyroid cartilage.
- Assessment of pain characteristics and response to treatment.
Main Results:
- A consistent point of tenderness was found in all patients.
- Pain often radiated into the throat and worsened with swallowing.
- Medical therapy, external injection, and local massage provided relief in most cases.
Conclusions:
- Superior laryngeal nerve entrapment is a recognizable cause of throat pain.
- Conservative management is effective for most patients.
- Surgical intervention, such as thyrohyoid membrane incision, may be considered for recalcitrant cases.