Glossopharyngeal neuralgia and MS

Abstract

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is characterized by a severe lancing pain in the posterior pharynx, tonsillar fossa, and base of the tongue. It is induced frequently by swallowing and yawning. GPN has not been described previously in MS patients. The authors report four MS patients with GPN. Three responded to carbamazepine and one resolved during treatment with adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH) and cyclophosphamide. Withdrawal of carbamazepine after 1 week in one patient resulted in recurrence of pain. GPN may be associated with MS and responds to carbamazepine.