Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a condition in which there is severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsils. The pain can last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and may return multiple times in a day or once every few weeks. It is usually on one side, and feels jabbing.
Causes
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is believed to be caused by irritation of the ninth cranial nerve, called the glossopharyngeal nerve. Symptoms usually begin in people over age 40. In most cases, the source of irritation is never found. Symptoms include severe pain in areas connected to the ninth cranial nerve: back of the nose and throat, back of the tongue, ear, throat, tonsil ear, voice box. .
Diagnosis
Imaging studies, CT or MRI of the head are normally performed.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control pain. Some patients respond well to anticonvulsant drugs, such as carbamazepine and gabapentin. Surgical options, including nerve resection, or microvascular decompression, should be considered when individuals either don’t respond to, or stop responding to, drug therapy. Surgery is usually successful at ending the cycles of pain, although there may be some sensory loss in the mouth, throat, or tongue.
Causes
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is believed to be caused by irritation of the ninth cranial nerve, called the glossopharyngeal nerve. Symptoms usually begin in people over age 40. In most cases, the source of irritation is never found. Symptoms include severe pain in areas connected to the ninth cranial nerve: back of the nose and throat, back of the tongue, ear, throat, tonsil ear, voice box. .
Diagnosis
Imaging studies, CT or MRI of the head are normally performed.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to control pain. Some patients respond well to anticonvulsant drugs, such as carbamazepine and gabapentin. Surgical options, including nerve resection, or microvascular decompression, should be considered when individuals either don’t respond to, or stop responding to, drug therapy. Surgery is usually successful at ending the cycles of pain, although there may be some sensory loss in the mouth, throat, or tongue.