# Glossopharyngeal neuralgia after SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report

## TL;DR

A man developed glossopharyngeal neuralgia after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting a possible link between the virus and this rare nerve pain condition.

## Contribution

This case report suggests SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger glossopharyngeal neuralgia, a rare neuropathic disorder.

## Key findings

- A 54-year-old man experienced severe throat pain after SARS-CoV-2 infection, consistent with glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
- Carbamazepine partially reduced the frequency and severity of pain episodes.
- MRI scans showed no structural abnormalities, supporting a post-infectious mechanism.

## Abstract

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) is a rare neuropathic disorder characterized by sudden, unilateral, electric shock-like pain in the areas innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve. Its diagnosis is frequently delayed because of its clinical overlap with odontogenic and otorhinolaryngological conditions. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, different cranial neuropathies have been reported, suggesting possible post-infectious mechanisms.
We describe the case of a 54-year-old male dentist, without relevant medical history, who developed recurrent episodes of intense pain in the right pharynx and base of tongue after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptoms were triggered by swallowing, coughing, and salivary stimulation, reaching maximum intensity on the visual analogue scale (EVA 10/10). Brain and neck magnetic resonance imaging revealed no structural abnormalities. Treatment with carbamazepine (600 mg/day) partially reduced frequency and severity of attacks, while pregabalin (300 mg/day) showed no benefit.
This case highlights the need to consider SARS-CoV-2 infection as a potential trigger of GN, underscores the importance of recent infectious history in the differential diagnosis, and emphasizes the relevance of early pharmacological management in clinical improvement.