Permanent Pacemaker Implantation in a Patient with Cardiac Syncope Associated with Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Abstract

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare disease that is characterized by sharp pain in the posterior pharynx, tonsils, and larynx, triggered by swallowing. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia can trigger bradycardia or asystole, which can induce life-threatening cardiac syncope. A 55-year-old male was admitted with severe paroxysmal pain in his left jaw and ear, followed by asystole and syncope. We report a patient with cardiac syncope associated with glossopharyngeal neuralgia treated with a permanent pacemaker. (Korean J Med 2012;82:217-220)