Abstract
Patients suspected of having neuralgia of the superior laryngeal nerve were treated by nerve block. The block was performed using the technique originated by Hoffman, using 1% lidocaine as the anesthetic. Fifteen of eighteen patients (83.3%) responded with diminution or disappearance of pharyngo-laryngeal pain.
Patients with a history of pain of long duration tend to respond less well than patients with a shorter duration of symptoms.
There were no complications. We conclude that patients suspected of superior laryngeal nerve neuralgia, which is characterized by pharyngo-laryngeal pain, tenderness midway between the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage 1 cm anterior to the superior thyroid cornu, and no known organic lesion, may benefit considerably from this technique. Alcohol block or neurectomy should be considered for patients with severe pain who do not respond to the lidocaine block.
