Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 27, 2026 1 hour, 41 minutes ago
Medical News: Post Covid Infection Triggers Rare Throat Nerve Pain
A rare but extremely painful nerve condition affecting the throat and tongue has now been linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a newly published medical case that is raising fresh concerns about the long-term neurological effects of COVID 19. This
Medical News report highlights how the virus may trigger overlooked nerve disorders that can significantly affect quality of life.
Post COVID infection may cause severe and overlooked throat nerve pain long after recovery
Understanding a Rare and Often Missed Condition
The condition involved is known as glossopharyngeal neuralgia, a rare nerve disorder affecting the ninth cranial nerve, which supplies sensation to areas such as the throat, tonsils, tongue base, and ear. Patients experience sudden, stabbing, electric shock like pain that can be triggered by everyday actions such as swallowing, coughing, speaking, or even yawning. Because the pain closely resembles dental problems or ear and throat infections, diagnosis is often delayed for months or even years.
Details of the Reported COVID-19-Linked Case
Researchers described the case of a 54-year-old male dentist who had no previous medical conditions before contracting COVID 19. Shortly after his confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, he began experiencing intense, localized throat and tongue pain on one side. The pain escalated dramatically over time, reaching the highest possible pain score and recurring in cycles lasting several weeks. These episodes were frequently triggered by swallowing, coughing, or salivary stimulation, making daily activities extremely distressing.
Extensive Testing Rules Out Other Causes
Advanced brain and neck imaging, including magnetic resonance scans, showed no tumors, blood vessel compression, or structural abnormalities that could explain the symptoms. Ear, nose, and throat evaluations were also normal. Based on clinical features, timing after COVID-19 infection, and exclusion of other causes, doctors concluded that the neuralgia was most likely triggered by a post infectious mechanism related to SARS-CoV-2.
Treatment Response and Long-Term Outcome
The patient was treated with carbamazepine, a medication commonly used for nerve pain, which reduced the frequency and severity of attacks by about half. Another commonly used nerve pain drug, pregabalin, provided no benefit. Although painful episodes recurred roughly twice a year for several years, the condition gradually improved. By 2024, symptoms had diminished to brief painful sensations, and by 2025 the patient had remained symptom free for over a year.
Why COVID-19 May Trigger Nerve Damage
Researchers believe COVID-19 may affect nerves through several mechanisms, including inflammation, immune system overreaction, reduced oxygen levels, and possible direct viral effects on nerve tissue. Similar nerve related complications have been reported with other crania
l nerves, supporting the theory that SARS CoV 2 can act as a trigger for rare neuralgias in susceptible individuals.
Institutions of the Researchers
The researchers are from the National University of Trujillo, Faculty of Stomatology, Trujillo, Peru.
Conclusion
This case expands medical understanding of post COVID complications and highlights the importance of considering recent viral infections when patients present with unexplained nerve pain. Early recognition can prevent unnecessary treatments, reduce suffering, and guide appropriate therapy. As COVID continues to circulate globally, awareness of rare neurological outcomes is essential for timely diagnosis and improved patient care.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41567315/
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Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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