The efficacy of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency in the treatment of primary glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

Objective: This study evaluates the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided long duration, high voltage pulse radiofrequency (PRF) in managing primary glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN). Methods: Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for 13 patients with primary GPN who underwent this treatment between August 2019 and October 2022. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were assessed pre-treatment and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment. Additionally, the rates of discontinuation of oral oxcarbazepine and pregabalin, efficacy, and complication rates at 6 months post-procedure were monitored. Results: Significant post-treatment pain relief, was observed across all patients, with statistically significant improvements in VAS scores (p < 0.05). Discontinuation rates for oxcarbazepine and pregabalin were also high (p < 0.05). At the 6-month follow-up, 69.23% of patients achieved excellent and good efficacy, 84.61% demonstrated overall effectiveness, while 15.38% showed poor efficacy. No critical complications were reported in any case. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided, long-term, high-voltage PRF effectively relieves primary glossopharyngeal neuralgia and improves quality of life. Featuring ease of operation, high safety and minimal complications making it a promising approach for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]