Case Report: Complexities in the Management of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: Lessons from a Refractory Case

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare cranial neuropathy characterized by paroxysmal, severe pain localized to the sensory distribution of the glossopharyngeal nerve. Diagnostic overlap with trigeminal neuralgia can lead to misclassification and delays in effective management.

We report a 76-year-old female with an 18-year history of right-sided tongue and facial pain initially misdiagnosed as trigeminal neuralgia. Despite undergoing radiotherapy, thermolesion, and microvascular decompression, she experienced recurrent episodes of severe pain. At presentation, she was receiving pregabalin, carbamazepine, and fentanyl transdermal patch with limited efficacy and notable adverse effects. Transition to oxycodone, in combination with optimized pregabalin, carbamazepine, and venlafaxine, led to substantial pain relief and improved functionality. Hyponatremia secondary to high-dose carbamazepine was identified and corrected by dose adjustment.

This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of glossopharyngeal neuralgia and highlights the importance of individualized, multimodal treatment strategies. While surgical interventions may offer partial benefit, adjunctive pharmacotherapy, including opioid therapy in refractory cases, can be essential for achieving adequate pain control.