Can neurologic dysfunction cause excessive burning sensations in the back of the head after consuming spicy food?

From the Guidelines

Neurologic dysfunction can indeed lead to excessive feelings of burning in the back of the head after eating spicy food, particularly in conditions that affect sensory processing such as small fiber neuropathy. This condition, as described in the study on systemic anticancer therapy-induced peripheral and central neurotoxicity 1, involves damage to the nerve terminals of fibers responsible for temperature and pain perception, which can result in a painful sensation of burning. Although the study primarily focuses on chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, the principles of nerve damage and altered sensory perception can be applied to other forms of neurologic dysfunction.

The symptoms of small fiber neuropathy, such as burning feet or hands, can be potentiated by certain stimuli, including spicy food, due to the abnormal processing of sensory signals. Similarly, conditions like trigeminal neuralgia or occipital neuralgia can cause hypersensitivity in the face or back of the head, respectively, which might be exacerbated by consuming spicy food. Management of these conditions may involve medications like gabapentin or pregabalin to reduce neuropathic pain, as well as lifestyle adjustments to avoid trigger foods and apply topical treatments for relief.

Key considerations for managing neurologic dysfunction-related burning sensations include:

• Proper diagnosis by a neurologist to rule out other conditions
• Medications such as gabapentin (300-1200 mg three times daily) or pregabalin (75-300 mg twice daily) for neuropathic pain
• Topical treatments like lidocaine patches or capsaicin cream for desensitization
• Avoiding trigger foods, including spicy dishes
• Applying cold compresses during episodes and maintaining good hydration for symptom relief. It's crucial to approach these symptoms with caution and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, as the underlying cause of the burning sensation can vary and may require specific treatment, as indicated by the clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and follow-up of systemic anticancer therapy-induced peripheral and central neurotoxicity 1.

From the Research

Neurologic Dysfunction and Burning Sensations

• Neurologic dysfunction can lead to excessive burning sensations in the back of the head after consuming spicy food, as seen in cases of trigeminal neuralgia 2.
• Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain.
• The activation of trigeminal C-nociceptors by sour and spicy solutions can evoke trigeminal neuralgia attacks, possibly via interactions with transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptors 2.

Mechanism of Burning Sensations

• The capsaicin receptor, also known as the vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1), plays a crucial role in the transmission of burning pain sensations 3.
• VR1 is activated by capsaicin, heat, and protons, and can be viewed as a molecular integrator of chemical and physical stimuli that elicit pain 3.
• The activation of VR1 by spicy food can lead to the transmission of burning pain sensations to the brain, which can be perceived as excessive burning in the back of the head.

Neurologic Conditions and Spicy Food

• Certain neurologic conditions, such as Moya Moya disease, can be triggered by eating spicy food 4.
• Moya Moya disease is a rare condition that affects the blood vessels in the brain and can cause transient ischemic attacks, strokes, and other neurologic symptoms.
• The consumption of spicy food can precipitate symptoms in individuals with Moya Moya disease, highlighting the importance of considering neurologic conditions in the diagnosis of burning sensations after eating spicy food.

Effects of Spicy Food on Pain Sensitivity

• Spicy food consumption can affect human pain sensitivity, with both short-term and long-term effects 5.
• Short-term spicy stimulation can have an analgesic effect, increasing pressure and cold-pain thresholds 5.
• However, long-term spicy food consumption can reduce human basal pain thresholds, making individuals more sensitive to pain 5.