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[Pharyngeal pain during lateral suboccipital puncture]
S L Rossitti1, J F Araújo, A R Zuiani
1Departamento de Neuro-Psiquiatria da Faculdade de Ciéncias Médicas da Pontificia Universidade Católica de Campinas.
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Lateral suboccipital puncture can cause oropharyngeal pain due to stimulation of the first cervical nerve (C1) or sympathetic nerves. This study explores the anatomical connections causing this referred pain during the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Anatomy
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Lateral suboccipital puncture (LSP) is a neurosurgical procedure for cerebrospinal fluid collection or myelography.
- Patients undergoing LSP may experience referred oropharyngeal pain.
Observation:
- Five conscious patients undergoing LSP reported oropharyngeal pain.
- This pain suggests a neural pathway activated during the puncture procedure.
Findings:
- The study reviews connections between cranial nerves, sympathetic nerves, and upper cervical spinal nerves.
- Oropharyngeal pain during LSP is attributed to stimulation of afferent visceral fibers of the first cervical nerve (C1) or sympathetic gray communicating branches to C1.
Implications:
- This research clarifies the neuroanatomical basis of referred pain during cisterna magna interventions.
- Findings can inform techniques to minimize patient discomfort during neurological procedures involving the upper cervical region.