Glossopharyngeal neuralgia with syncope and cervical mass

Abstract

GPN syndrome with syncope, hypotension, and bradycardia is rare. The association of this syndrome with neck masses mandates that these patients undergo a search for such tumors. A review of the literature and our experience revealed 12 cases of this syndrome associated with neck masses. The majority (60%) of the patients did not respond to medical therapy and eventually required a neurosurgical procedure to cure symptoms. However, medical therapy, including high-dose carbamazepine, should be tried first, particularly in individuals who represent a high operative risk.