First Bite Syndrome: A Rare Post-Surgical Complication Following a Carotid Body Tumor Excision
2025

First Bite Syndrome After Carotid Body Tumor Surgery

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, AlOtaibi Noura M, Alanzan Ali N, Aloshaywi Abdulaziz K, Alotaibi Naif H, Alanazi Abdulkarim F, Alrajhi Faris M, Meaadi Jawza

Primary Institution: University of Glasgow, King Saud University, King Saud Medical City

Hypothesis

First bite syndrome (FBS) can occur as a rare complication following the surgical excision of a carotid body tumor.

Conclusion

The case highlights the importance of recognizing first bite syndrome as a potential complication after carotid body tumor excision.

Supporting Evidence

  • First bite syndrome is characterized by sharp pain that occurs with the first bite of food.
  • The condition is believed to arise from an imbalance in the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation of the parotid gland.
  • Symptoms of FBS tend to improve over time, as seen in the patient who fully recovered within four months.

Takeaway

Sometimes, after surgery, people can feel a lot of pain when they take the first bite of food, but it gets better as they keep eating.

Methodology

Case report of a 36-year-old male patient who developed FBS after carotid body tumor excision.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

One 36-year-old male patient.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.76827

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