First Use of Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia in South Dakota: A Case Report.

Abstract

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a rare and debilitating condition characterized by severe, episodic pain in the throat, ear, and tongue. This case report presents an 85-year-old woman with left-sided GPN whose condition proved resistant to medical therapies, necessitating an alternative approach. In May 2024, she underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS), marking the first documented use of this procedure for GPN in South Dakota. The treatment was well-tolerated, and the patient reported complete pain relief without complications at her one-month follow-up. This case demonstrates GKRS as a minimally invasive, safe, and effective alternative for managing refractory GPN, especially in elderly patients who are poor candidates for invasive surgery. It also underscores the potential to expand GKRS in rural healthcare settings to improve access to advanced treatments.