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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
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Assessment of Spatial Lingual Tactile Sensitivity using a Gratings Orientation Test
Published on: September 17, 2021
[Globus sensation : A clinical review]
1Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Deutschland. ckiese@med.uni-goettingen.de
HNO
|May 14, 2010
Summary
Globus sensation, a feeling of a lump in the throat, can be a symptom of various conditions or a somatoform disorder. Integrated treatment may help, but evidence-based concepts are limited due to scarce studies.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Globus sensation is a common symptom characterized by a persistent or intermittent feeling of a lump in the throat.
- It can be associated with various underlying diseases or manifest as a monosymptomatic somatoform disorder.
- Diagnosis necessitates interdisciplinary collaboration due to potential links with anxiety, depression, or personality disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diagnostic challenges and treatment approaches for globus sensation.
- To highlight the importance of differentiating organic causes from somatoform presentations.
- To review current therapeutic strategies and their limitations.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive otolaryngological examination and detailed medical history taking.
- Psychosomatic and clinical assessments to evaluate psychosocial factors and coping strategies.
- Review of existing literature on diagnosis and management of globus sensation.
Main Results:
- Globus sensation can be a complex symptom with multifactorial etiologies, involving both somatic vulnerability and psychosocial aspects.
- Accurate diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring extensive investigations.
- While integrated treatment (pharmacologic and cognitive-behavioral) is recommended for somatoform globus, recurrence is common.
Conclusions:
- Globus sensation requires a thorough, interdisciplinary diagnostic approach.
- Management strategies should address both potential organic causes and psychological components.
- Further controlled studies are needed to establish evidence-based treatment guidelines for globus sensation.
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