Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is an uncommon condition that has rarely been described in association with syncope. We report here 2 cases of glossopharyngeal neuralgia in elderly patients. Both were male and underwent temporary pacemaker insertion to prevent syncopal episodes. We discuss the clinical and surgical treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia, the role of cardiac stimulation, and the possible physiopathological mechanism of the associated cardiac disturbances. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

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... s an uncommon condition first described by Weisenberg in 1910. It is characterized by paroxysms of lancinating pain localized unilaterally in the base of the tongue, soft palate, throat, and in the lateral and posterior regions of the pharynx, radiating to the ipsilateral ear. The pain can be triggered by swallowing, coughing, yawning and chewing and, usually lasts seconds or minutes. Association between glossopharyngeal neuralgia and syncope is very rare and is due to short episodes of bradycardia, asystole, and hypotension 1-3 . We report here 2 patients with glossopharyngeal neuralgia associated with cardiac syncope treated with the insertion of a temporary pacemaker associated with specific therapy. We discuss the pathogenesis of syncope associated with glossopharyngeal neuralgia and its therapeutical possibilities.