Sudden Onset Pharyngeal Pain Associated with Dissecting Vertebral Artery Aneurysm

Summary.

Summary.

 

Background and Purpose:

We report a case of sudden onset pharyngeal pain due to dissection of the vertebral artery.

 

Case Description:

A 65-year-old patient presented with sudden onset of unilateral pharyngeal pain, which was first, diagnosed as idiopathic glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Magnetic resonance image and cerebral angiography revealed a dissecting vertebral artery aneurysm. The anatomical site of the aneurysm may explain this complication.

 

Conclusions:

Sudden onset of pharyngeal pain, although rare, should be considered as a complication of dissection of the vertebral artery even though there are no other general or neurological symptoms.