Ultrasound-guided glossopharyngeal nerve block for glossopharyngeal neuropathy: Safe and easy to use

Abstract

A female patient who developed neuropathic pain in the left maxillary and left nasopharyngeal regions following a dental procedure was treated with carbamazepine, pregabalin, amitriptyline, and duloxetine. As the pain was resistant to medical treatment, a maxillary nerve block and a transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block with radiofrequency thermocoagulation were performed. There was partial relief of pain. Since adequate improvement could not be achieved, a glossopharyngeal nerve block and Pulse Radiofrequency (PRF) were performed under ultrasound guidance. Significant improvement in pain was observed. In addition to treatments targeting the trigeminal nerve, it should be kept in mind that the glossopharyngeal nerve may also be affected, and a glossopharyngeal nerve block and RF neurotomy performed under ultrasound guidance should be considered as valid therapeutic options.