Carotid sinus hypersensitivity secondary to parapharyngeal space carcinoma

Carotid sinus hypersensitivity secondary to the presence of head and neck carcinoma has been recently reviewed in the otolaryngologic literature. We present a case of carotid sinus hypersensitivity coupled with glossopharyngeal neuralgia due to tonsillar carcinoma invading the parapharyngeal space. Medical management with atropine, carbamazepine, and transvenous pacing was only moderately successful in controlling the symptomatology. Surgery appeared to offer a more permanent solution to the problem.