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Jugular foramen schwannoma presenting with glossopharyngeal neuralgia syncope syndrome

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 July 2010

Y Saman ,
D Whitehead  and
M Gleeson
Y Saman
Affiliation:
Neuro-otology Department, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
D Whitehead
Affiliation:
Department of ENT Surgery, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
M Gleeson*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT Surgery, Guy's Hospital, London, UK Institute of Neurology, University College London, Guy's, Kings and St Thomas' Hospitals, London, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Professor Michael Gleeson, Neuro-otology Department, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK. E-mail: professor.michael.gleeson@gmail.com
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Abstract

Introduction:

Jugular foramen schwannomas are rare skull base tumours which typically have a variable clinical presentation. Glossopharyngeal syncope syndrome is an unusual clinical presentation; in the following case report, it was the sole presentation of an extracranial jugular foramen tumour.

Methods:

The presentation of a patient with glossopharyngeal neuralgia syncope syndrome is reviewed and the pathophysiology, clinical features and treatment discussed.

Results:

A 45-year-old woman presented with unilateral throat pain, bradycardia and hypotension leading to episodes of impaired consciousness when lying on her left side or turning her head to the left. Imaging detected a left-sided extracranial jugular foramen schwannoma. The tumour was excised, and the patient had no more syncopal attacks.

Conclusion:

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia syncope syndrome can be the sole presentation of a jugular foramen schwannoma. Although this syndrome may be treated with anti-dysrhythmic drugs, cardiac pacing or nerve section, in the presented patient excision of the jugular foramen schwannoma was successful in preventing further episodes of syncope.

Keywords

Glossopharyngeal Nerve DiseasesCranial Nerve NeoplasmsSyncopeNeurilemmomaSkull Base Neoplasms
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 124 , Issue 12 , December 2010 , pp. 1305 - 1308
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2010

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