Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

What is Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia?

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a disorder characterised by intense pain in the tonsils, middle ear, and back of the tongue. The pain can be intermittent or relatively persistent. Swallowing, chewing, talking, sneezing, or eating spicy foods may trigger the disorder. It is often the result of compression of the 9th nerve (glossopharyngeal) or 10th nerve (vagus), but in some cases, no cause is evident.

Is there any treatment?

Generally, treatment is symptomatic. Drugs such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, baclofen, and amitrityline may alleviate pain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve.

What is the prognosis?

People with glossopharyngeal neuralgia have remissions and exacerbations. For many individuals, drug therapy reduces or eliminates the pain sufficiently for them to carry on with their lives. When surgery is indicated, most individuals have very good results.