CASE REPORT
Neurosurgery
doi: 10.25005/2074-0581-2026-28-1-259-268
MINIMALLY INVASIVE ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL NEURALGIA USING A BURR-HOLE TECHNIQUE: CASE SERIES

S.А. CHOBULOV1, A.R. ASHUROV2, S.N. SHOEV3, M.M. KHOLMURODOV2

1Department of Neurosurgery and Polytrauma, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan
2Department of Neurosurgery and Vertebrology, Institute of Postgraduate Education in Healthcare of the Republic of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan
3Health Complex “Istiklol”, Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (also known as Sicard syndrome) is a rare cranial nerve compression syndrome that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. Despite advances in conservative treatments, including pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and nerve blocks, the optimal surgical approach remains a subject of active debate. This uncertainty stems from the rarity of the condition and the complex anatomy of the lateral skull base. Traditional surgical decompression often requires extensive resection of the occipital bone (typically exceeding 7-8 cm) to create a sufficient surgical corridor. However, endoscopic techniques are increasingly used due to their ability to provide precise visualization with minimal invasion. This approach reduces intraoperative complications, minimizes bone resection, and shortens recovery times. This article presents two clinical cases of glossopharyngeal neuralgia successfully treated using an endoscopic "burr hole" approach. We emphasize the critical role of endoscopic visualization in planning and executing surgery within this anatomically complex region.

Keywords: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia, endoscope, burr hole, vascular decompression, neurovascular conflict, clinical case..

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References

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Authors' information:

Chobulov Sunatullo Aladostovich,
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Neurosurgery and Polytrauma, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-3873-6246
E-mail: hexamination@mail.ru

Ashurov Rakhmonkul Gurezovich,
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery and Vertebrology, Institute of Postgraduate Education in Healthcare of the Republic of Tajikistan
ORCID ID: 0009-0002-1029-0002
E-mail: rakhmonkul@list.ru

Shoev Sadullo Nazrulloevich,
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery, Health Complex “Istiklol”
ORCID ID: 0009-0004-4646-4350
E-mail: sadulloshoev5@gmail.com

Kholmurodov Mekhrob Makhmadaminovich,
Postgraduate Student of the Department of Neurosurgery and Vertebrology, Institute of Postgraduate Education in Healthcare of the Republic of Tajikistan
ORCID ID: 0009-0006-7106-963X
E-mail: mekhrob.kholmurodov@mail.ru

Information about support in the form of grants, equipment, medications

The authors did not receive financial support from manufacturers of medicines and medical equipment.

Conflicts of interest: No conflict

Address for correspondence:

Chobulov Sunatullo Aladostovich
Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Neu- rosurgery and Polytrauma, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University

734026, Republic of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, Sino str., 29-31

Tel.: +992 (919) 699996

E-mail: hexamination@mail.ru


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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