Radiation Oncology/CNS/Sphenopalatine neuralgia

Sphenopalatine Neuralgia


 * Rare craniofacial pain syndrome, also known as Sluder's Neuralgia
 * Characterized by unilateral pain in the orbit, mouth, nose, and posterior mastoid process.
 * Also associated increased autonomic activity resulting in ipsilateral nasal drainage, eye irritation, and lacrimation
 * May be caused by irritation of the pterygopalatine ganglion, possibly secondary to infection
 * Typically female 2:1 male predominance


 * Pittsburgh; 1997 PMID 9285614 -- "Stereotactic radiosurgical treatment of sphenopalatine neuralgia. Case report." (Pollock BE, J Neurosurg. 1997 Sep;87(3):450-3.)
 * Case report. SRS 45 Gy to 50% isodose line. Pain free x8 months
 * Recurrence 50% pain at 17 months, retreated with 40 Gy to 50% isodose line, and pain-free at 7 month follow-up