Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

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Disease Overview

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a disorder that is associated with repeated episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsils. These areas are all connected to the ninth cranial nerve, also called the glossopharyngeal nerve. Episodes of pain may last from a few seconds to a few minutes and usually occur on one side of the face. The pain may be triggered by swallowing, speaking, laughing, chewing, or coughing.[5801]

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is thought to be caused by irritation of the glossopharyngeal nerve, but the exact cause of the irritation is sometimes unknown.[5801] Laboratory and imaging tests can be used to diagnose the disorder and rule out serious underlying problems. The goal of treatment is to control pain, and the most effective drugs are anti-seizure medications and anti-depressants. Surgery to sever or take pressure off of the glossopharyngeal nerve may be needed in severe cases.[5801]



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National Organization for Rare Disorders